Victoria Fenn

The simple forms of her work reflect the language of the landscape, the parallel lines of field structures, dykes, drains, hedges and tyre tracks. The form is derived from necessity rather than decoration. Often it pegs and slots together celebrating an honesty in the materials and holding tension within the piece.

Victoria's practice involves materials such as brass, copper and gilding metal juxtaposed against the dark hues of Fenland bog oak which dates from 3000BC. Sometimes she will bury her work in soil from her fathers land to achieve a patination on the metal.

"My family have lived and worked on this land for many generations. I feel a deep emotional tie to this area. The Fens are a constant source of contradictions, open yet closed, wide expansive landscapes are somehow dark and mysterious. The sky dominates your view and yet it is all about the land"

The nearby archaeological sites of Flag Fen and Must Farm have greatly influenced Victoria's work. Artefacts unearthed include pottery, beads and metalwork (swords, sickles and spears). She is captivated by the hidden treasures and evidence of past settlements – so much of it yet to be discovered.

Using basic hand tools and silversmithing techniques Victoria's work narrates the story of her ties to this land.