MORE THAN JUST ABSTRACT SCULPTURES
Creating dynamic steel sculptures that reveal hidden dimensions of place and memory.
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A bespoke & personal service
We understand that commissioning a new site specific sculpture, or piece of public art comes with huge responsibility. No two projects are the same, your expectations are high and there are many factors to consider getting the best results. Our design approach is flexible and collaborative, it is focused on technical excellence fused with powerful ideas. We create and deliver site-responsive sculptures that reflect local roots and expand awareness of place – to tell your story with solid steel.
Sapien sculptures: vessels of meaning
The power of our sculptures isn’t in the value of precious materials, but in lifting the veil between the seen and the unseen. The essence of Sapien lies in the fusion of meticulous handcrafting, spiritual practices and the indomitable spirit of the North to conjure seamlessly impossible pieces. Our abstract steel sculptures are more than objects; they are vessels of meaning. They extend an invitation to contemplate the interplay of opposing forces, such as: chaos and order, science and spirituality, poetry and machinery, exposing boundary lines to convey a raw sense of what it means to be a living breathing human being.
Our commitment is unwavering – we pride ourselves on consistently delivering meaningful, high-quality sculptures at all scales, each piece meticulously crafted with love, integrity, and northern grit.
A new sculpture in Yorkshire commission for YSP
One of the most prestigious projects we have worked on in our time was a joint commission set by Yorkshire Sculpture Park and a private collector. The circular steel sculpture titled Mantra Machine (shown above) was installed at YSP for several months to allow the Corten Steel to fully develop, before reaching it’s home at a prestigious sculpture garden in the north of England, forming part of the collectors important, private sculpture collection which includes artworks by Anthony Gormley, Barbara Hepworth, Sophie Ryder and Conran Shawcross to name a few. The text was specially chosen by the client, they wanted to include their favourite poem by Winston Churchill; "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Repeated on infinite loop to echo the significant charity work they do.
“Sapien’s sculptures are testament to the power of art to amplify language.” Helen Pheby (Director of Programme, YSP)
As a leading light among Yorkshire's contemporary artists, Sapien transcends conventional boundaries in the realm of abstract sculpture and public art. Our work resonates with collectors, developers and those seeking a deeper connection with art. Each creation becomes a testament to the vibrant artistic spirit that defines the industrial North.
Corten steel sculpture
The air around us wants to live and be seen, the expressiveness of Corten steel is a perfect example. This ageing, living material matures over the years, reacting with the oxygen in the air to become covered with a unique patina formed only by time. Weathering shows decay, it brings to life the question of birth, life and death and the transient nature of existence here on earth.
Sustainability is a key consideration with all our projects. We are known for using Corten Steel, utilising full sheets, significantly reducing mass & volume to leave very little waste, thus reducing environmental impact. Corten is also super low maintenance, it’s rust-like patina acts as a deterrent to limit vandalism. Corten Steel, also known as Weathering Steel or COR-TEN, derives its resilience from a unique chemical composition, granting it superior resistance to atmospheric corrosion compared to conventional steels.
Note: looking to commission an experienced artist to design and deliver your public art project? Speak with Sapien.
We have worked with a number of high-profile clients and have a proven track record designing, making and delivering abstract steel sculptures at all scales. We can help you map out a plan and build a bespoke brief that connects all the dots, set up a discovery call today and we can advise how we might collaborate.
If any of our sculptures have caught your eye please know that similar pieces can be commissioned in various sizes and finishes to suit your project, location or collection. Browse our sculpture collection, make a note of any that stand out and arrange a short 30 minute consultation.
Why public art attracts
Art trails and sculpture gardens are becoming more and more popular, they connect neighbourhoods, communities and hard to reach districts to boost the visitor economy. Public art breaks down social barriers, liberating creativity and craftsmanship. Art in the public realm has the power to reshape our cities into communal galleries and sculpture parks, making artistic expression a shared experience. This free-spirited nature dissolves the exclusivity, inviting everyone to be a part of a shared experience or conversation. In these challenging times, public art becomes a beacon of hope and a powerful tool for reshaping our collective experiences and fostering cultural identity to build more inspiring destinations to visit.
Sapien is well known for exposing the following themes: Health-Wellbeing, Spirituality, Industrial Memory, Science & Innovation, Poetry, Movement, Automotive & Aviation, Mindfulness, Advanced Manufacturing.
Stillness in motion: engines of change
Both Mantra Machine and Only Breath (pictured above) were commended for capturing movement, conjuring imagery of wheels, cogs, jet engines or propellers; spiralling onwards in continuous motion. And yet, for all their steely sturdiness and complex construction, there is a real sense of space, lightness and flow, a theme that works extremely well to tell distinctive narratives. The design methodology of capturing both stillness and movement can become a key strategy along with site-specific words or personal poems to enhance the performance of a range of locations to engage and inspire your audience.
Raw materials layered with memory
The Sapien practice is well known for utilising full sheets of steel to make our dynamic sculptures, using a process called nesting, this significantly reduces volume to leave very little waste, seriously reducing environmental impact. Using Stainless Steel and Corten Steel we endeavour to create large-scale, abstract sculptures for public spaces, private gardens, and sculpture exhibitions. Weathering shows decay, evidence of a life well lived and I think these rust like textures are the perfect partner to complement natural surrounding and the ever changing seasons to give a real sense of place.
“It’s a great pleasure to have had Sapien design such beautiful sculptures for our Waverley development (see picture below). Both Corten sculptures are very innovative and have different stories to tell. The designs are brilliant and we couldn’t be happier with how they both turned out.”
Ross Clarkson (Director, Taylor Wimpey)
Unique, abstract sculptures that stand the test of time
Whether you seek a sculpture for personal contemplation or aspire to elevate public spaces, Sapien's commitment to enriching the human experience shines through every meticulously crafted piece, resulting in unique sculptures that stand the test of time. Our sculptures are often embedded with hidden poems, tiny holes are drilled into the blades to spell out pertinent words, allowing air to move through the artworks as they leap and twist to life - thus creating another subtle layer of intrigue and individuality.
Installing monumental public art professionally
Many public art projects can come unstuck in the final stages when working with less experienced artists & teams. Leveraging 25 years in 'design for manufacture' and 14 years crafting our own works, Sapien brings a unique, technically-oriented perspective to creating site-specific sculptures. Design planning, project management, and installation are seamlessly integrated into our process. Collaborating closely with clients and external teams, our dedicated team, comprising a structural engineer, fabrication experts, and logistics specialists, ensures comprehensive coverage for larger public realm projects. Our goal is not just to create art but to ensure our sculptures stand the test of time, professionally installed with precision.
Ready to make a mark?
If you are looking to make a positive mark on the world contact us to discuss your project in more detail. Our best work is yet to come, we hope you are the kind of visionary partner we can make positive change with.