Agnes is an art blacksmith based in Glasgow. In her own words, she “draws in steel” translating two dimensional lines into three dimensional forms that shapeshift from literal to abstract and back again with the subtlest shift of perspective. She is a graduate from the University of Brighton and a Master of Research Creative Practices from the Glasgow School of Art. Today, Agnes works on commission and at a variety of scales, from large public sculptures to more intimate homeware of domestic proportions. There is a riveting, delicate beauty to her craft that goes beyond the ingenuity of her anthropomorphic forms; the fact that objects so fine and precise can be shaped so nimbly from steel is endlessly fascinating. We have Agnes to thank for bringing our beloved Peerie Fish to life above the door at Bard too.

What value does craft have in daily life?

I love using well crafted objects, holding and using things that have been lovingly made by someone. As a craftsman, it's always so interesting to see how objects have been made, and identify marks made by the process of making. A turning point in my career was deciding to make things that I really wanted to have in my own house - objects that were interesting to make, as well as being enjoyable to hold and use.  

What does Scottishness mean to you?

Growing up in both London and Edinburgh, I was used to being the Scottish person in England, and the English person in Scotland. I chose to return as an adult because of the open friendliness of people and the wonderful landscapes, particularly the forests and sea, and the wide open skies.