Sarah Jane Brown

"I have been working sculpturally with various metals since 1994, selling internationally and throughout the UK in shops and galleries.

"The development of the wire knit collection was a progression - a step away from previous 3-dimensional sculpture which concentrated on the surface. Here was a material which I could manipulate the form of the sculpture. It was flexible enough to construct any shape with its overall appearance being less harsh and more pleasing to the touch. The essence was in the individuality and the handmade qualities of each sculpture - creating a different character in each animal - and then I just got carried away...

"The first works made were dogs - tails and legs are added separately and hand-stitched, each creating an individual and unique piece. Collars and tags are added to these canine creatures denoting their names i.e. 'Daisy' (a flower), 'Digger' ( a bone) and 'Dazzler' (a star). The sculpture can be personalised by gently adjusting the tail and head to make the dog look at the stars, sniff the daisies, or rummage for that hidden bone! The inspiration for the latest collection of sculptures has been expanded to include cats, birds and humans."