Mark’s Iron Clocks are distinctly individual. Named after mythological characters, each clock possesses an extraordinary melting effect, reflecting the artist’s fascination with nature’s cycle and the immortality of time itself.

The first clock in the series is known as ‘Gaia’. Working intuitively, without sketches, Mark naturally devised a three dimensional form by shaping and layering the metal to create the impression of folds and overlaps within the sculpture. This unusual melting effect is a constant theme within the series, representing the concept of movement and fluidity that is so central to Mark’s vision.

As each new clock was created, these exceptional and distorted forms became increasingly complex, incorporating cracks and fissures in the latter stages of the series. Indistinct shapes and intricate details on the panels of each sculpture encourage different interpretations. This ultimately adds to the intrigue and enigmatic quality that each piece possesses as a whole.

From the initial concept of ‘Gaia’, followed by ‘Phoenix’, through to ‘Apollo’; ‘Zeus’; ‘Titan’ and most recently ‘Cronus’, the maturing of Mark’s artistic vision can clearly be seen.

Each clock in the original series is distinctive and no two faces are the same. The complex leaded glass is hand crafted to pick out the unique shape in each face and all the clocks are hand polished with the artist’s name added to the face and the trunk of the sculpture.

Gaia “from the earth”

This was the first Iron Clock that I ever made, although the idea had been alive in my mind for a very long time.

The inspiration for this sculpture evolved from my personal fascination with the cycle of life and the immortality of time itself. Everybody and everything finally melts away into the abyss of time, only to re-evolve from the earth as some other new life form.

My sculpture Gaia, goddess of the earth, portrays this eternal process for me.

It was also important to me that the sculpture I created was suggestive, as an art form, and that it would give people the opportunity to interpret it in many different ways.

It was after months of dedication to this work, that all of my ideas finally evolved and came together in this sculpture.

On completing this Iron Clock I felt a huge sense of satisfaction and pride, and a significant weight off my mind !

-Mark Avis