WORK OF THE WEEK: Trevor Clarke, It is not the work itself it is to keep oneself in condition to do it that is difficult, 2009

Trevor Clarke
It is not the work itself it is to keep oneself in condition to do it that is difficult, 2009
Welsh slate
154 x 64 cm
5ft 2 x 25 in.

Trevor Clarke (1971-) is a sculptor and letter-carver based near Stourbridge in the West Midlands. His letter-form work often draws upon existing texts and quotations which he carves into stone. This particular piece is engraved with the phrase 'It is not the work itself it is to keep oneself in condition to do it that is difficult', spoken by Constantin Brâncuşi in an interview with Dial Magazine in 1927. Brâncuşi (1876-1957) was a Romanian sculptor, painter and photographer, considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century, he is often referred to as 'the patriarch of modern sculpture'. Speaking to Clarke on what influenced the piece, he explained how the word 'work' resonated with him. One must not only have the physical space to carry out the work (be that a studio, workshop, or in his youth Clarke's Grandfather's shed) but so too must one maintain the mental space and capacity for work. The commodification of one's art 'devalues' not only the finished product, but moreover skews the creative process, 'I tend to follow what I feel is right, the more I try to commodify, the less interested I am.' Since the creation of this piece in 2009, Clarke described how it has cropped up time and time again and it resonates with him still. The act of reflection has become part of the work; the curation of his craft has been cultivated organically. Being pliable and using the resources around him, such as learning to cast bronze at university or stumbling into the world of photography 'completely by accident' has allowed for his work to be motivated by curiosity and enjoyment as opposed to commodification. As such, Clarke has created beautiful art and sculpture throughout his career, and continues to do so, exploring new endeavours and returning to old ones with an ever-growing understanding of his 'work' and its place in the world.

Clarke studied at the University of Wolverhampton, going on to achieve a Masters degree in Fine Art, concentrating on sculpture. Clarke has been carving letters and making sculpture since 2006, both producing his own work and working as an assistant to John Neilson, Gary Breeze and Peter Randall-Page amongst others. He is a visiting lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton, teaching bronze casting and stone carving.

Trevor Clarke, 'It is not the work itself it is to keep oneself in condition to do it that is difficult', 2009

Clarke's letter carving is careful and meticulous work, engraved in Welsh slate, this piece is durable and can withstand harsh weathering. As such, it works perfectly as an outdoor sculpture, the dark slate contrasts beautifully with green and floral spaces. It is at once eye-catching and serene, creating a space of quiet reflection and affirmation.

The 2008 winner of the Sandvik Award for Excellence in Sculpture, Clarke has also worked on numerous major public art projects throughout the UK including the V&A grand entrance donor recognition scheme, ‘The One and the Many’, London; ‘Timeline Serpentine Path’, Durlston Country Park; ‘Barry Poem’, Barry, South Wales. His current work includes memorials, plaques, sundials, signs and sculptural pieces, in slate, stone, granite, wood, bronze, steel and ceramic.

The New Art Centre showcases the works of esteemed letter-carvers such as Trevor Clarke and Gary Breeze. In collaboration with and designed by Gary Breeze, plates inspired by his piece Too Marvellous for Words are available for sale at Roche Court and online at The New Art Centre Website, or click the link below to enquire.