Howard Bradfield

During the course of many years of practice and teaching in the arts I have
revelled and delighted in the dynamics of the human figure. Whether it be drawing,
painting or sculpture, the human form with all its many possibilities and adaptations
features in much of my work. In particular my experiences with graphic and fine
arts at the Central College of TAFE, and later at the WA Academy of Performing
Arts in theatre design nurtured this figurative interest.

Figurative ceramic work is a great narrative form which allows the artist to interpret
the human form through individual style into almost unlimited outcomes. I began
my current theme based around “fat ladies” in a purely sculptural manner but finally
adapted and developed my interpretations using “paper clay” techniques. This clay
material has allowed me to build and manipulate the form in a more free flowing
and flexible manner. Much of the final decoration references the style and work of
costume designers such as Bakst, Benois and the artists Matisse and Klimt who
employ a stunning use of colour and design.

Dr Howard Bradfield.

Howard Bradfield makes use of the human form in much of his work adapting the figure to impart a personal interpretation. His figurative sculptures are stylised adaptations of the feminine form employing the use of paper clay which provides added flexibility in construction.