Sophie Ryder

by Jonathan Benington

British sculptor Sophie Ryder is a versatile artist who makes wire and bronze sculptures, installations, wire drawings, collages and prints. Her lively, often humorous insights into human and animal behaviour have brought her international acclaim. Larger than life, her minotaurs, lady-hares and dogmen are the stuff of daydreams, yet retain a sense of humanity expressed through movement, gesture and physical contact. Jonathan Benington examines the inspiration behind the work, its unusual techniques and its public reception. First-hand insights into studio practice, interspersed with interview material and personal observations make for a straightforward account of the artist and her art. A similar insider's perspective informs the extensive series of photographs of the artist and her work in progress, taken by Harry Scott, the artist's husband. The result is a behind-the-scenes look at the creative processes of this successful artist.

127 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001