Artist David Kefford uses cheap and picked up objects to create wonderful works of art. Rugby Art Gallery is currently showcasing his innovative work until Sunday 19th March. David Kefford’s ‘The Balance of Being’ is not simply an exhibition, it is a journey that started three years ago when he approached the Art Gallery with his proposal. He was keen to create work specific to the gallery, using the unique architecture as a backdrop and making work directly in the space. After a week long residency at the gallery David's sculpture exhibition opened to the public. ‘The Balance of Being’ is on at Rugby Art Gallery, Little Elborow Street, Rugby, CV21 3BZ. Telephone: 01788 533201 Website: www.rugby.gov.uk Familiar themes are recurrent in David's work; an interest in human beings and human nature; how we as conscious beings interact with one another and our different levels of identification and understanding, or lack of it. His sculptures often evoke human characteristics; loneliness, vulnerability, bravery and strength.
 | | David Kefford exhibit |
The Balance of Being will delight, intrigue, challenge and bewilder as visitors move around the gallery space and continue along David's often precarious journey. The exhibition brings together a body of work developed over several years, and new site specific pieces made during a residency in the gallery - a gathering of sculptures that speak of contradictions, familiar to us all. David’s sculptures originate from cheap and found objects such as lampshades, broken chairs and hockey sticks that form the skeletal framework of each sculpture. Using a variety of techniques like wrapping, binding and modelling, he constructs and alters their form, finishing them off with tape, bright colours and varnished surfaces. Certain pieces evolve organically over several months, emerging from his studio as bizarre, other worldly life forms with distinct personalities, others are made more intuitively created in an expedient process. David is interested in human beings and human nature and how we as conscious beings interact with one another, and our different levels of identification and understanding, or lack of it.
 | | Exhibit from 'The Balance of Being' |
Some of his pieces seem isolated, uncomfortable in their skins, and struggling to escape. Certain sculptures are juvenile and needy, seeking attention and seeming shy, others have a more authoritative presence and seem wiser. David Kefford says of his work, ‘I try to work along the fine line of being serious in the approach to my work, yet maintaining a sense of humour due to the absurdity of my creations.’ There will be a free talk and tour of David's work on Wednesday February 22nd from 1pm - 2pm. To book your place call (01788) 533201. 'Out of Balance' adult workshop on Saturday March 4th from 10.30am - 3.30pm. Create 3D scultpures and explore sculptural interventions with David Kefford. The workshop costs £12.00 per person and booking is essential as places are limited. The Balance of Being is a touring exhibition by Rugby Art Gallery and Museum and UH Galleries, in collaboration with the artist, and is the first solo touring exhibition by someone with an exciting and challenging future. This show will definitely pose a new environmental challenge and offer much discussion and intrigue for visitors. A catalogue with essay by JJ Charlesworth accompanies the show. The exhibition at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum runs until Sunday March 19th 2006. For further information please contact Rugby Art Gallery and Museum on 01788 533201. | 
