Artist
William Ashley-Norman
Crafting Art with Passion and Precision
Creating art with wire for over 35 years.
Portfolio
Coil Art
Coil Sculptures
William Ashley Norman’s coil sculptures convey the beauty and grace of a human body in motion.
Read More About Coil Sculptures
Coil sculptures captivate with their unique fusion of form and technique, crafted through a precise layering process inspired by the anatomy of living beings. Beginning with a wire framework, each sculpture takes shape as layers of “muscle” and “skin” are added, resulting in remarkable depth and detail. These dynamic creations convey motion and vitality, showcasing the artist’s intricate craftsmanship and imaginative vision.
TopiArt
TopiART
Combining chickenwire and moss to create unique living sculptures. Can be kept inside or out.
Read More About TopiART
William Ashley Norman’s TopiART garden sculptures capture the harmony of nature and artistry. These handcrafted pieces feature intricate wire designs tailored to support living moss, creating a striking blend of structure and organic life. Designed to complement outdoor spaces, each sculpture becomes a unique focal point, seamlessly integrating with its surroundings to elevate the beauty of any garden.
Relief Sculptures
Relief Sculptures
William Ashley Norman’s relief sculptures redefine wall art by introducing depth and texture to flat surfaces.
Read More About Relief Sculptures
William Ashley Norman’s relief sculptures redefine wall art by introducing depth and texture to flat surfaces.
Crafted with layered wire techniques, these pieces interact with light and shadow to produce dramatic visual effects. Each sculpture offers a unique narrative, combining meticulous artistry with three-dimensional elements that transform conventional wall decor into immersive experiences.
ChickenWired
ChickenWired
The craft the artist has created from his work, taught in schools nationwide. Workshops, kits and subscriptions available..
Read More About The ChickenWired Craft
William Ashley Norman’s kits and workshops make wire sculpture accessible to all, from beginners to experienced artists.
The kits provide tools and materials for creating intricate designs, offering a hands-on creative process. Workshops for schools and groups guide participants in cutting, connecting, and creating wire into stunning sculptures, fostering resilience, perseverance, focus, and a sense of achievement.
Williams Story
For over 35 years, artist William Ashley-Norman has transformed humble chicken wire into breathtaking works of art. What began as a serendipitous discovery, whilst helping his Father with fencing the garden, has become a lifelong passion, resulting in a captivating menagerie of animals, figures, portraits, and the delightfully unexpected.
An enquiry from a teacher during an exhibition of his work in his home town of Stamford led to the development of school workshops and the creation of ChickenWired.
Since this time, William has been sharing his expertise by conducting sculpture workshops in schools throughout the UK. By teaching tens of thousands of school pupils, he has not only passed on his skill but also inspired a new generation of wire sculptors. From this, a range of sculpture kits and subscription resources have been developed.
Beyond the ChickenWired craft, his signature single-sheet relief sculptures possess a unique, ethereal grace. Each piece is meticulously hand-crafted, the wire coaxed and manipulated to create fluid forms devoid of harsh join lines, lending a serene and refined quality.
Equally impressive are his wire coil sculptures, constructed with three distinct gauges to achieve remarkable texture and dynamic movement. From the robust 3mm wire skeleton to the delicate 0.8mm “skin,” each layer contributes to the sculpture’s visual and tactile richness.
A new side of Williams work has been created with the use of moss. This, with the skills learnt and taught in the ChickenWired craft, has allowed incredible living sculptures to be created, which the artist refers to as TopiART.
William’s deep passion for this unique medium shines through in every intricate detail, making his work highly sought after.
Contact William
If you would like to purchase my art or would like to discuss a commission then please get in touch.
Contact William
If you would like to purchase my art or would like to discuss a commission then please get in touch.