Monumental Stainless Steel Sculpture | Bespoke Corporate & Private Commission
Stainless steel
Approx. dimensions: 8 m long × almost 3 m high
Created: 2019–2020
Site-specific commission for a private business, Isle of Man
Similar monumental commissions: typically £50,000–£150,000
Shoal is a monumental stainless-steel sculpture commissioned for a privately owned business site on the Isle of Man. Extending approximately eight metres across the landscape, the installation transforms a simple natural phenomenon — the coordinated movement of a shoal of fish — into a large-scale contemporary sculpture.
Hundreds of individually formed stainless-steel fish combine to create a flowing composition with a strong sense of movement. Each fish was made by hand in my studio, beaten and formed individually before surface patterns and details were introduced through grinding and welding. No two are identical.
Viewed from a distance, the individual fish merge into a single sweeping form. Closer inspection reveals the variation, craftsmanship and individuality within the group. This relationship between the individual and the collective has become an important theme within my work and continues to inform my smaller Collective Motion sculptures and larger site-specific installations.
Sculpture that changes with its surroundings
Stainless steel was chosen not only for its durability but for the way it interacts with its environment. Reflections move across the surfaces as daylight, weather and viewing position change, allowing the sculpture to take on a different character throughout the day.
The open structure also allows landscape and architecture to remain visible through the sculpture. Rather than simply occupying a site, the work becomes part of it.
At this scale, Shoal creates a distinctive landmark and focal point while retaining the visual lightness and movement associated with fish travelling through water.
Bespoke sculpture for exceptional spaces
The Shoal concept can be developed as a completely bespoke commission for businesses, corporate headquarters, commercial developments, hotels, hospitality venues, private estates, luxury residences, sculpture gardens and public spaces.
The scale, number and arrangement of the fish can be designed specifically around the architecture or landscape in which the sculpture will sit. Smaller wall-mounted and freestanding interpretations are also possible, while major installations can extend across walls, landscapes or architectural spaces.
Individual fish can be customised through variations in surface pattern, texture and selected contrasting materials, allowing each commission to develop its own identity.
For commercial projects, sculpture of this scale can provide far more than decoration. It can create a recognisable landmark, arrival point and visual identity for a property, giving clients, visitors and employees something memorable with which to associate the site.
Commissioning a Shoal sculpture
I work directly with private collectors, businesses, architects, interior designers, landscape designers and art consultants to develop site-specific sculpture.
A commission can begin with photographs, architectural drawings or an initial conversation about the site. From there, the composition, scale, materials, positioning and installation requirements can be developed around the location and the client's objectives.
Similar monumental commissions are currently projected at approximately £50,000–£150,000, depending on scale, complexity, location and installation requirements.
Smaller stainless-steel fish sculptures and shoal compositions are also created periodically and can be found in the Shop, or commissioned individually.
To discuss a bespoke sculpture for a commercial property, private estate or significant architectural space, please get in touch.