Sculptor Steven Gregory has that enviable artistic trait of being inquisitive. An explorer at heart, the latest subject absorbing his interest is bones, says Annie Prior
Following a studio movie in 2002 into a property previously occupied by the Red Cross, Steven stumbled across an old box of bones. Seeing the potential for creativity and gaining inspiration from the Aztec show at the Royal Academy of Arts in 2003, where he was captivated by the fabulous and grotesque masks, Steven decided to express himself through the simplistic but haunting beauty of the skull.
First experimenting with glues (finally settling for good old super glue) he went back to his teaching techniques, remembering classes where pupils were encouraged to stick pieces of clay onto skulls to understand the structure of facial muscles and bones. The followed experiments putting electrical components of the skull that ultimately led to using semiprecious stones.
The result of this current body of work is a brilliant fusion of art and structure at its most primeval. A testament to this impressive exhibition lies in the fact that Damien Hirst has not only written the introduction to the exhibition catalogue (saying "Steven's ability to shift mediums and styles and the jumps that he encompasses are where real art lies") but has also been inspired to experiment with skulls himself.
The exhibition promises to be a visual feast, with pieces like the skull made of Rhodochrosite (pink stone) with strange, staring eyes and the intricate wreath of human bones. Entitles just 'Bones' it could also be interpreted as the wheel of life, spinning through time, collecting experiences and souls along the way. It is certainly guaranteed to set visitors thinking about a subject that causes considerable discomfort - death. Delivering reality bang smack in your face is typical of Steven's work and can also be seen in his earlier drawings and paintings. Particularly powerful is a piece included in the exhibition entitled 'Lights Are Out', a reflection of the end of his father's life.
A regular exhibitor at The Royal Academy, this is Steven's first major London exhibition showing a huge volume of work. Also of interest is the new series of bronze pieces entitled 'Empty Vessels' and 'The Glorious Dead'. Perhaps most remarkable of all is the fact that during preparations for the exhibition Steven himself has a brush with dead, suffering from a heart attack. Striking indeed is the image of his cut T-shirt and empty aspirin wrapper, received upon his arrival at hospital. Entitled simply 'Heart Attack', it is a chilling reminder of the fragility of life.
Article by Annie Prior, first published in the November 2005 edition of South Coast Magazine. Photography by Roger Bamber.