Frances Pelly

Frances Pelly has worked as a practicing sculptor since completing her postgraduate art degree in Dundee, having resided in Orkney since she was invited to be an artist in residence at the Highland Park Distillery more than 30 years ago. Frances draws a lot of inspiration from her surroundings, exploring the local land, seascape and flora in her unique forms. Frances has also travelled internationally with her work, having also completed notable residencies at Fort William Library, The Eden Project and on Baffin Island.

Maker's Story

THE PROCESS

Frances crafts her pieces using natural, locally-sourced materials which are sometimes recycled, for ethical, financial and philosophical reasons. Her latest collection is informed by the techniques employed in the making process, such as modelling, carving and casting; resulting in dynamic, abstract pieces. Each object is unique and is usually inspired by something she has found, or seen, or been moved by – usually gleaned from nature. Creating sculptural work with a tactile quality is important to Frances and the artist often uses materials such as leaves and flowers to make decorative imprints, further incorporating nature into her design.

Maker's Quote

I greatly value my traditional training which gave me a range of skills, including hand-cutting lettering and images in stone, wood and stone carving, clay modelling and assembling pieces from natural materials.

Frances PellySculptor