“I am fascinated by the strength and malleability of metal– a
material that is used to span rivers and to sew the finest silk”. Bruce Pringle.
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BRUCE PRINGLE: Sculptor
PROFILE.
Bruce Pringle’s career as an artist began in 1971 in South Africa. Bruce now resides in
Byron Bay NSW and Hobart Tasmania.
As a sculptor, Bruce abandons formal constraints, seeking to express his delight in and
reverence for nature and the human form.
Through the ancient techniques of blacksmithing, Bruce explores the alchemy of hand,
metal and fire. His work is contemporary in design whilst imparting a sense of ritual.
Works present the texture, strength and colour of stone, bronze and steel in graceful and
fluid lines described as three dimensional calligraphic essays. His functional pieces have
a strong sculptural feel, with designs inspired by personal mythologies.
The stainless steel range of utensils reflects the sophistication of the contemporary world
whilst maintaining a sense of whimsy in design.
A fascination with ancient metal ornamentation such as the clasp mechanisms of Celtic
kilt pins and annular and penannular cloak clasps, have influenced jewellery design.
These pieces, forged on a small scale, are objects traditionally giving strength to the
wearer.
Bruce’s work has been described as music in metal, with each piece bearing testimony to
his skill in combining art with craft in strong and elegant design.