Title: Design Exercise 7/22
Size: 142cm x 40cm x 13cm
Medium: Mixed media, Polystyrene & Paint

Additional Information
Inspired piece: Eduardo Paolozzi (1924-2005), Design Exercise (about 1950), Ink on Paper, 55.8cm x 37.8cm

Link here to the piece in the National Galleries of Scotland collection.

"Every so often I find myself in Modern 2, standing transfixed gazing into the Paolozzi studio. Imagining him sitting amongst his vast array of casts working on his latest idea. I return to my own studio, in awe of this man's work and sit amongst my own modest array of maquettes for public projects and half finished sculptures – started with every good intention!

The invitation to exhibit at Fidra was a push I was seriously needing! Searching through the SNG image archive I happened across these quick sketchy ink drawings by Paolozzi - I had not seen these before. They took me back to drawings I had produced myself for my 1985 degree show at ECA. Using a Chinese calligraphy brush: Mao bi or "hairy brush" as it translates. I wonder if this may have been what the Paolozzi used - he might have used a felt-tip pen? This isn't really relevant, but I just like to imagine... Poalozzi's drawings took me back to a time when I made a very different type of sculpture to that of my public art works.

The drawings inspired this latest piece. A 3 dimensional interpretation of a small section of his drawing - I wonder what Paolozzi would think? I wonder how long he took to do his drawing? I suspect it was completed more quickly than my sculpture!" Ailsa Magnus


Price: £2175

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About the Artist


STATEMENT

My passion lies in creating art that endures, both in its physical form and its impact. I am motivated by the opportunity to place sculptures in our environment that not only enhance their surroundings but also spark conversation and debate. My goal is to create work that connects with the community, is relevant to their lives, and leaves a lasting impression. Every new project is a chance to pursue this vision and create something truly meaningful.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Accomplished Public Artist with 36 years of professional practice delivering site-specific commissions throughout the UK. Expert in the full project life-cycle from community engagement and site consultancy to engineering and fabrication. A proven specialist in transforming public spaces through enduring materials, including: steel, bronze, cast iron, carved brick, wood, stone, stained glass, and recycled industrial resources. Deeply experienced in navigating complex stakeholder requirements for NHS trusts, local authorities, private developers, and specialist institutional clients.

CURRENT & ONGOING PRACTICE

• Winchburgh Union Canal Site: Design Stage. Commissioned by Winchburgh Developments Ltd and West Lothian Council. Developing site-specific design solutions for a major canal-side project, focusing on landscape integration and community identity.

• Black Watch Timeline, Dundee: Design & Fundraising Stage. Commissioned by The Black Watch Veterans Society. Designing a significant commemorative timeline honouring the Regiment. Managing design development and long-term project planning for this landmark installation.

• HMP Highland Decorative Commission: Fabrication Stage. Designing and overseeing the production of a large-scale decorative cut-panel window grille featuring integrated stained glass. Featuring a symbolic sunflower motif; currently in the final stages of fabrication for forthcoming installation.

SELECTED PUBLIC ART COMMISSIONS (2015 - 2025)

• Time Piece, Jack Martin Way Sculpture (2025) - Commissioned by SSEN, Dundee. Using industrial scrap/recycled materials.

• Beach Bounty, Broughty Ferry Active Travel (2023) -Commissioned by Dundee City Council. 10 bronze sculptures for seafront railings.

• Wee Trees, Kings Park Housing Development (2023) - Commissioned by Persimmon Homes, Dundee. Entrance feature design and fabrication.

• Pollen-8, Dundee Botanic Gardens (2023) - Commissioned by University of Dundee. Permanent wood carvings from fallen timber.

• Music in Nature, Whitburn Partnership Centre (2023) - Commissioned by West Lothian Council. Site-specific sculptural feature.

• Stand Together, Fauldhouse Mining Tribute (2022) - Commissioned by Fauldhouse Development Trust (in collaboration with Billy Caulfield).

• Seeds of Change, Maxwelltown Works (2021) - Commissioned by Caledonia Housing Association. Bespoke housing numbers and 18 large-scale boundary wall panels.

• Primary Flare (2018) - Commissioned by Pitteuchar East Primary School, Glenrothes. Collaborative design workshops and entrance feature.

• Maggie’s Penguin Parade (2018) - Selected commission for Dundee charity arts event (in collaboration with Billy Caulfield).

SIGNATURE & MILESTONE COMMISSIONS (2000 - 2014)

• In The Beginning (2013) - Selby Community Trust. Oak totem and sculptural seating for Bondgate Community Wood.

• Seen Through Hand And Heart (2012) - Tayside NHS. Sculptural seating for the Susan Carnegie Centre, Stracathro Hospital.

• Knot Rope (2012) - The Ropewalk Art Centre. Bespoke railings and gates.

• Durham Time Line (2011) - Durham City Council. 42m ground-based landmark feature, ‘Heart of the City’ project.

• Conversation Piece (2010) - City of York Council. Bronze, stainless steel, brick, and sandstone landmark.

• Memory Map (2010) - Environment Agency. Cast iron and carved brick time line for Star Square, Castleford.

• Selby Waterfront Linear Park (2009) - Selby District Council. 32m cast iron time-line, free-standing sculpture, and town features.

• Scatter (2009) - Cwm Taf NHS Trust. Sculptural installation, Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda (with Ian Randall).

• The Healing Landscape (2008) - Gwynned Primary Care Trust. Carved brick relief entrance for Ysbyty Alltwen.

• Altima Tree of Life (2005) - Plan Art Consultants. Landmark sculpture for Laing Homes development, London.

• Scarborough Hospital (2001) - Year of the Artist Commission. Site-specific work for the hospital grounds.

PRACTICE FOUNDATIONS (1990 - 1999)

• Professional Foundation: Built a decade of early site-specific commissions, establishing a practice rooted in community-responsive art and durable, material- led fabrication.

• Formative Work: Delivered a series of early school-based residencies and neighbourhood regeneration projects that defined a long-term commitment to public-realm enhancement.

• Full Archive: A complete, 36-year archive of all professional commissions, including technical documentation and project reports, is available on request