Michelle Dufaur is a local Artist. Whilst exhibiting predominantly in steel, she has two seasons of work; one using paper and willow and the other in metal.
She has been freelanced by Same Sky to produce lanterns for Wakehurst’s Glow Wild since 2015. You may recognise some of her work.
During her metal season, she then treats the willow structures of these lanterns as a maquette and confidently transcribes many of these pieces into metal to produce linear garden sculptures.
She works with steel in the same way she would with willow; long lengths to aid leverage. Using this method, she needs minimal tools, manipulates the steel without heat and maintains close physical contact with the material.
She has a unique style that particularly celebrates the line of suggestion. Michelle has a workshop in Barcombe Mills where her work is certainly inspired by the richness of local wildlife.
She has a strong participatory background and loves to develop the opportunity to involve others in her work. She specifically recognises the empowering potential of women and young people working in this medium.