Barbara Franc, an upcycling artist based in London, breathes new life into scrap metal and discarded household objects by transforming them into lifelike animal sculptures. Her work is a testament to the potential of repurposed materials, as she meticulously crafts each piece to capture the essence and movement of its real-life counterpart.
Franc’s sculptures are not just visually striking; they are a commentary on waste and sustainability, showcasing how objects destined for the landfill can be given a second chance as art. Her ability to see the inherent beauty in the discarded is what makes her work so compelling and thought-provoking.
I have always been fascinated by the shapes and sculptural forms of animals, they present a never-ending source of inspiration to me. I try to capture a feeling of their movement and presence in my sculpture. For this, I use wire and other materials in a way that suggests drawing in three dimensions. This allows me greater freedom to add changes whenever I want during the construction to keep the feeling fluid and to reflect the diversity of movement and form. I increasingly use recycled and discarded materials as I enjoy the challenge of transforming something with a past history into something new and exciting.
Barbara Franc