Wirral Arts: Claughton artist talks about inspiration behind Biennial exhibition

Oct 24 2012 by Linda Foo Guest, Birkenhead News

A WIRRAL artist has revealed his latest work – and the inspiration behind it.

Terry Hayes says he can now finally devote more time to his love of art and produce a wide spectrum of subject matter which inspire him.

His main interest lies with sculpture, although he also creates paintings, photography and carvings.

Terry, 47, who lives with his wife and three children in Claughton, said: “Art is something I have suppressed for most of my life and with two teenagers and a 10-year-old finding time to devote to it was a real challenge.

“My wife has finished university and is now working as a primary school teacher in Liscard, which takes the pressure off and will allow me to commit to art full-time.”

Terry’s latest piece is called Deliverance abd it is a 5ft sculpture of a Liver bird with a poem held in its beak.

He added: “The poem was wrote the day after the independent inquiry announced its findings about the Hillsborough disaster.

“I printed the poem onto an old scroll and placed it in the beak of the Liver bird to symbolise people’s search for justice. The Liver bird and poem conveys that message.”

The artwork is currently on display in his first solo exhibition, called Deliverance – A Work In Progress, as part of the Liverpool Biennial.

There are 10 pieces on show, including McRings 2012, which was constructed from cooked dehydrated french fries.

The golden “Olympic” rings are resin bonded into five hoops measuring 4ft across and placed on top of a giant fries container.

Terry added: “McRings invites the viewer to examine events such as the Olympics and question the economic returns and who they favour.

“Also on display will be an early oil painting of a bowl of daises I did in 1977 at school aged 11.

“There will be a life-size paper clip made from scraps of paper from my past and a carving of a Liver bird with a Japanese symbol, called Liverpool For Japan.

“This exhibition gives me a platform to build from and the response has been fantastic.

“I hope many visitors will come and view my work.”

Terry’s exhibition can be viewed on October 26 and 27 at Unit 8, The Colonnades, Albert Dock, Liverpool.