Gill Wicks

Making things is in the blood

About

Gill originally studied a BA Hons in fashion design at Newcastle, where she became interested in the sculptural work of Japanese designer Issey Miyake. After winning several design awards she went on to work for Courtaulds as a designer, and later worked freelance before setting up her own design business . She also spent 14yrs teaching before deciding to pursue her love of three dimensional design through sculpture.

Working mostly in metal and wood or up-cycled materials, designs are created using a constructive approach. Gill's work reflects her love of nature and natural forms. A fascination with the consequences of time and the elements upon materials is evident.
                                                 
                                                  
About image

Upcycled, practical, contemporary

Chapel lights

Some of the pieces are for sale , if you are interested in buying anything you have seen, or in commissioning a bespoke piece, please contact her via email.

Gallery

Remembering Staithes - Mixed media on canvas - Large
The earth makes music ...small vase - Earthenware
Cone - Large, aged steel garden sculpture. For sale
Swift ring - Aged steel on wooden plinth.The iconic silhouette of swifts in flight is captured in this mild steel sculpture. Undulating lines echo the sweeping, fluid flight paths of these elegant birds. The central, circular, ring, symbolizes their continuous cycle of migration and return. Mounted on a rustic log, this piece is seen at its best when set against a light, bright, open backdrop. For sale
Swift return - Aged steel, wall mounted For sale
Red Hare - Made from chicken wire and finished in a dark red finish. For sale £ 175
Dragonfly - Wire with semi precious stones, free hanging or wall mounted.
Wing - Large wing like structure made predominantly from re-claimed scaffolding boards and mild steel cable Materials are scarred by 'another life' and give fundamental character to this piece. This large, wood and steel structure takes inspiration from a bird’s wing. As we all become increasingly aware of the impact human activity has upon the natural world, the subtle ingenuity and fragility of a wing can remind us both of nature’s wonder, and of the necessity for sensitive co-existence. This piece serves as a metaphor for nature and the environment in the present day. Clinging on at one end it wraps itself around the trunk of the tree. At the other, it stretches out towards the viewer with its feathery finger, calling and challenging us all to reflect.
oak leaf - A steel and pine construction fixed to a wooden plinth. The wood has been treated with stain and preservative . Constructed from wood and steel, ‘Oak leaf’ has industrial undertones. It focuses our attention upon the relationship, and tensions between the natural and man-made worlds. It celebrates the possibility of harmonious co-existence between these two elements. An alternative mount may be available that could be discretely buried in a garden. This piece is for sale.
The Loom - An interactive piece constructed from ash, steel and copper with natural found embelishments. The central section is interchangeable and can be woven with natural found materials.
Sea harp - Driftwood and pebbles, indoor sculpture
Sleeping dog - Papier mache and plaster.
Henrietta - Straw and string with steel frame
Giant cone - Made from distressed mild steel. An extra large piece some 6ft high, inspired by the rhythmic mathematical form of a pine cone. The distressed finish gives a subtle texture and rich colour that deepens with age. The cone was commissioned for a private collection and is sighted in a beautiful woodland setting. Perched high on a grassy mound and sheltered by ancient yew trees, the location adds a magical and spiritual dimension.
Flower bird bath and feeder - Made from mild steel, with a copper bird bath.
Peach waves and crackle vase - Earthenware
Grey mist vase - Earthenware
Black and white waves vase - Earthenware
Grey mist vase - Earthenware
Grey mist conical vase - Earthenware
Purple and blue waves pot - Earthenware
Purple and blue waves pot - Earthenware
Green and peach waves, large vase - Earthenware
Dark blue waves mugs - Earthenware
Green wavy edge vase - Earthenware
Circles, multicoloured round pot - Earthenware
Circles, multicoloured round pot - Earthenware
Circles, multicoloured shaped pot - Earthenware
Swifts & Sky large - A large earthenware vase - Glazed internally with deep blue. Decorative only. Not reccommended for liquid unless protection placed beneath.
Swifts and sky - large vase - A large earthenware vase - Glazed internally with deep blue. Decorative only. Not reccommended for liquid unless protection placed beneath.
Swifts and Sky - large vase - A large earthenware vase - Glazed internally with deep blue. Decorative only. Not reccommended for liquid unless protection placed beneath.
land and Sky - medium vase - A medium size earthenware vase glazed internally. Decorative only. Not recommended for liquid unless protection placed beneath.
Sky break - medium vase - Earthenware vase with abstract land and sky, asymmetric top. Decorative - not recommended for liquid without protection beneath.
Light and shade 1 - A series of sculptural ceramics inspired by the light and shade of life. Nothing is ever black and white, our lighter moments might be tinged with sadness and the darkest of times can offer glimpses of beauty and hope. What often appears superficially to be perfect can mask deep scars and hurt - reflected here in scarred surfaces. Life is messy, surprising and unpredictable, sometimes unexpectedly beautiful and awe inspiring. Often we need to make the best of things, piece together broken fragments of what is our reality, but in doing so we create our own individual experience and uniqueness.
Light and shade 2
Light and shade 3
Light and shade 4

Cone - Large, aged steel garden sculpture. For sale
Swift ring - Aged steel on wooden plinth.The iconic silhouette of swifts in flight is captured in this mild steel sculpture. Undulating lines echo the sweeping, fluid flight paths of these elegant birds. The central, circular, ring, symbolizes their continuous cycle of migration and return. Mounted on a rustic log, this piece is seen at its best when set against a light, bright, open backdrop. For sale
Swift return - Aged steel, wall mounted For sale
Red Hare - Made from chicken wire and finished in a dark red finish. For sale £ 175
Dragonfly - Wire with semi precious stones, free hanging or wall mounted.
Giant cone - Made from distressed mild steel. An extra large piece some 6ft high, inspired by the rhythmic mathematical form of a pine cone. The distressed finish gives a subtle texture and rich colour that deepens with age. The cone was commissioned for a private collection and is sighted in a beautiful woodland setting. Perched high on a grassy mound and sheltered by ancient yew trees, the location adds a magical and spiritual dimension.
Flower bird bath and feeder - Made from mild steel, with a copper bird bath.

Sea harp - Driftwood and pebbles, indoor sculpture
Sleeping dog - Papier mache and plaster.
Henrietta - Straw and string with steel frame

The earth makes music ...small vase - Earthenware
Peach waves and crackle vase - Earthenware
Grey mist vase - Earthenware
Black and white waves vase - Earthenware
Grey mist vase - Earthenware
Grey mist conical vase - Earthenware
Purple and blue waves pot - Earthenware
Purple and blue waves pot - Earthenware
Green and peach waves, large vase - Earthenware
Dark blue waves mugs - Earthenware
Green wavy edge vase - Earthenware
Circles, multicoloured round pot - Earthenware
Circles, multicoloured round pot - Earthenware
Circles, multicoloured shaped pot - Earthenware
Swifts & Sky large - A large earthenware vase - Glazed internally with deep blue. Decorative only. Not reccommended for liquid unless protection placed beneath.
Swifts and sky - large vase - A large earthenware vase - Glazed internally with deep blue. Decorative only. Not reccommended for liquid unless protection placed beneath.
Swifts and Sky - large vase - A large earthenware vase - Glazed internally with deep blue. Decorative only. Not reccommended for liquid unless protection placed beneath.
land and Sky - medium vase - A medium size earthenware vase glazed internally. Decorative only. Not recommended for liquid unless protection placed beneath.
Sky break - medium vase - Earthenware vase with abstract land and sky, asymmetric top. Decorative - not recommended for liquid without protection beneath.
Light and shade 1 - A series of sculptural ceramics inspired by the light and shade of life. Nothing is ever black and white, our lighter moments might be tinged with sadness and the darkest of times can offer glimpses of beauty and hope. What often appears superficially to be perfect can mask deep scars and hurt - reflected here in scarred surfaces. Life is messy, surprising and unpredictable, sometimes unexpectedly beautiful and awe inspiring. Often we need to make the best of things, piece together broken fragments of what is our reality, but in doing so we create our own individual experience and uniqueness.
Light and shade 2
Light and shade 3
Light and shade 4

Remembering Staithes - Mixed media on canvas - Large

Wing - Large wing like structure made predominantly from re-claimed scaffolding boards and mild steel cable Materials are scarred by 'another life' and give fundamental character to this piece. This large, wood and steel structure takes inspiration from a bird’s wing. As we all become increasingly aware of the impact human activity has upon the natural world, the subtle ingenuity and fragility of a wing can remind us both of nature’s wonder, and of the necessity for sensitive co-existence. This piece serves as a metaphor for nature and the environment in the present day. Clinging on at one end it wraps itself around the trunk of the tree. At the other, it stretches out towards the viewer with its feathery finger, calling and challenging us all to reflect.
oak leaf - A steel and pine construction fixed to a wooden plinth. The wood has been treated with stain and preservative . Constructed from wood and steel, ‘Oak leaf’ has industrial undertones. It focuses our attention upon the relationship, and tensions between the natural and man-made worlds. It celebrates the possibility of harmonious co-existence between these two elements. An alternative mount may be available that could be discretely buried in a garden. This piece is for sale.
The Loom - An interactive piece constructed from ash, steel and copper with natural found embelishments. The central section is interchangeable and can be woven with natural found materials.

Latest work

Flower bird bath & feeder
Made from mild steel, with a recycled copper plate bird bath. Designed as a sculptural focal point, whilst at the same time offering a degree of protection from cats!

Contact

  • Ripon, England, United Kingdom

Events

Events image
Exhibiting in April until November at The Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, Grewelthorpe, North Yorks.
info@himalayangarden.com