About the Artist Spencer Byles
I have been making sculptures from natural materials in wild forests for over 15 years. Most of my work is made from organic and ephemeral materials.
Occasionally I create forms made from paper in some projects, which is a byproduct from softwood trees. My work is site specific. Each forest sculpture is set within a forest or jungle location. The location for each specific sculpture is carefully selected, I know instantly if a site feels right. Much of the appeal is based on the light, the shape of the land, materials and access I prefer to work in areas that are quiet and remote where I can work undisturbed. I don’t publicise where sculptures are located. Forest visitors only come across my work by chance and news of their whereabouts is passed through ‘word of mouth’. This has led to some very positive and surprising results.
Working philosophy
"My sculptures reflect an affiliation between the materials, the space in which I work, my intuition and local influences. I investigate the possibilities that exist within the materials. I react outwardly, allowing my responses and ideas to seep gradually into the work as it develops.
My sculptures are ephemeral and meant to go through changes until they disappear. This temporary nature is at the core of my projects is a reflection of the constantly changing natural world.