Bradley Lafford
Contemporary visual artist and assembled sculptor. Born and grew up in Africa, as a child my creative side was stimulated by the resourceful rich environment where art is made from stone, wood or anything available and with tools born of another purpose and era. Having a natural spirit of creativity I took art classes in school and explored various arts and crafts after school. Not having many possibilities open to me to study art and being dyslexic, I left formal schooling at age 15 and started a woodworking apprenticeship.
As a self taught artist, I draw from my over 30 years of work in various different forms of woodworking and design. My love of traveling has allowed me to spent time working alongside craftspeople across the globe from Mexico to Bali, which stimulates my creativity and has taught me new techniques.
I naturally enjoy the visual aspect of lines in all forms. From geometric lines in nature to construction lines in architecture.
I would perhaps describe myself as quiet and relaxed but at the same time energetic and motivated, if I was a animal I would probably be a duck in a baseball cap. I have a deep concern and respect for the natural world and its conservation. Therefore sustainability is at the heart of my work, my pieces truly unique and kind to nature. I only used reclaimed materials for the main body of my work. One of the characteristics of some of my pieces is the use of resinous wood without a finishing wax or sealant to allow the material speak of its past life though its life experience of cuts, scrapes, holes and marks. Most of my work is tactile to allow the onlooker to experience texture and depth.
I take much inspiration from my connections to the plight of the environment, our experiences and a future we hope for. A central aspect of my work is allowing the nature of the material to dictate form and story arch. Each piece is unique in design, construction and detailing.
Feel free to contact me via the contact page
Commissions accepted
Bradley Lafford