Broken Bus Shelter Becomes Art
Local artist and part time Bar Supervisor at The Lowry, Samantha Brown, 25, has created a sculpture out of broken glass from a vandalised bus shelter in Salford for exhibition in The Lowry Restaurant.
Sam was commissioned by The Lowry to celebrate the launch of The Complete night out - dinner in The Lowry Restaurant, theatre tickets (posted free of charge), a programme delivered to your table and pre-ordered interval drinks. The complete night out lets The Lowry do the work so that theatre patrons can relax.
Winner of Young Sculptor award 2000 by Manchester Academy of Fine Arts, Sam likes the idea of using material that someone has thrown away considering it as a wastage and therefore worthless. She explains: "The idea of turning a piece of rubbish into something interesting and exciting is fascinating to me and makes me feel that I have achieved something."
She continues: "The inspiration for my sculptural work comes from looking at repetition within architecture and I tend to use simple geometric shapes and patterns. I was particularly inspired by The Lowry building and thrilled when the catering manager commissioned me to create a work for the newly refurbished restaurant."
Samantha attended Wigan & Leigh College, Warrington Collegiate for her BTEC in Foundation Art and graduated from Bolton Institute with a BA in Visual Arts in 2000. She has exhibited at various places including Bury Art Gallery, Drumcroon Art Gallery as well as opening up her own Gallery in Leigh, above her father's DIY shop where she also works.
Councillor Eddie Sheehy, lead member for arts and leisure at Salford City Council believes that Sam's glass sculpture, Dereliction Rising, mirror images the whole Lowry Project: "Like The Lowry, which has helped to regenerate derelict docklands, Sam has created something positive out of something unattractive. -more- We all know that vandalism is a real problem in this country in general and we are certainly working hard here in Salford to solve the many problems that it brings. To see the negative consequences of vandalism transformed into art on show at The Lowry is really uplifting. We often concentrate our minds on the negative things happening, I feel that we should not forget those things that are positive and that bring beauty into our lives."
Sam's glass sculpture as well as five of her paintings can be seen in the reception area of The Lowry Restaurant, which offers a quality menu of modern British cooking in stylish and relaxed surroundings. Her work consists of a wide variety of media but glass is her absolute favourite: "I love it and I carry a box in the boot of my car so that wherever I go I can scrabble around and collect pieces of glass."
Sam continues: "I find looking at our surroundings fascinating - it can be anything; a shadow or reflection, a building or texture. I want to interest my audience to the point that they begin to notice the smallest of details in their surroundings."
To see Sam's creations and enjoy fabulous food in a contemporary and stylish environment make a reservation at The Lowry Restaurant, on 0161 876 2121. For more information about The Lowry and to book theatre tickets, please call 0161 876 2000.
Press Enquiries: Michelle Bowey, Media Relations Manager, Direct line 0161 876 2037 Admin: Tel 0161 876 2020 Fax: 0161 876 2021
Posted on Thursday, 18 April 2002 under Press Galleries Press