Maker in residence: Vic Wright.

In association with NOMA, we continue our maker in residence platform, which aims to champion and celebrate local creatives; those pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and what’s coming next.

From woodwork to ceramics and biomaterials, we welcome all disciplines and showcase grassroots making at its very best. Nurturing emerging talent is an extremely important part of our ethos at Material Source Studio, and so we’re delighted to share this space.

Next up is Vic Wright, a sculptor from the North West of England, working from her studio in Greater Manchester.

Typically Vic’s work takes the form of casts. Using a base of sustainable casting cement different materials such as metal powders and pigments are added. When drying this results in different textures, colours and surfaces, evoking the natural world, only amplified, distorted and moulded to give new context.

Learn more about Vic below, and pop into Material Source Studio, 1 Federation Street, Manchester, to view her work up close.

How did you get started in design?

"I worked within the arts for many years, often with artists l had studied at University, which was exciting. Although l had studios in different guises over the years, work life became more prominent.

"It wasn’t until l moved to Manchester five years' ago that l started up my own practice again. The move coincided with my daughter starting school. These two things together allowed me to return to making full-time."

Can you briefly explain your making process?

"Typically, my work takes the form of bespoke hand casts. Using a base of fine white casting cement, different materials such as metal powders and pigments are added. When drying this results in different textures, colours and surfaces. My studio is full of pieces of cast materials and shapes, all waiting to be paired together with each other to see which ones form new sculptures."

How important is material research and sourcing to your end product?

"My work is very much material led. All my pieces have derived from material experimentation and how far l can push a material. The alchemy of this is a constant source of inspiration to me. The results tend to direct the finished look and construction of my sculptures."

How would you describe Manchester's creative scene?

"Since moving here I’ve found Manchester's creative scene to be an inclusive and exciting one. It feels like there's a bit more support and room here for people to strike out and explore their creative passions. The city's art scene really came alive recently hosting The British Art Show across nine different venues."

What does it mean to be maker in residence at Material Source Studio?

"Material Source Studio is a truly inspirational space, in both what it offers as a business and the beautiful building and fit out. Every time l go into the Studio l learn something new about materials and advances in technology. So it's thrilling to have my work in that environment and l’m really pleased to have been asked."