Sam Metz (UNBOUND)
We’re pleased to share with you some of the Wakefield-based UNBOUND artist cohort.
UNBOUND is an
artist training & mentoring development programme for artists seeking to develop their practice to deliver artworks in public spaces, which is delivered by BEAM and ourselves at YVAN. It’s part of Our Year, and is funded by Wakefield Council, Cultural Development Fund and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Introducing Sam Metz - a sculptor who explores the concept of ‘neuroqueering’.
The term ‘neuroqueering’ refers to the act of challenging societal norms that are hostile towards non-normative neurodivergent individuals. Sam’s practice investigates and responds to the premise of subverting dominant structures that remain confrontational to neurodivergent bodies and minds. Metz became a member of the Yorkshire Sculpture Network in 2022. They were a nominated recipient of the Henry Moore Foundation Award 2022 (award received in 2023).
“I create to stimulate conversations around neurodivergence and disability, but I also create sculptural work because I’m interested in movement and the body.”
Can you tell us a bit about your practice as a visual artist?
I explore stimming as a way of interpreting landscape, through drawing and animation. I then translate these drawings into sculptural forms, often using industrial processes such as CNC milling, but working with sustainable materials such as wood made from recycled industrial fibres. My work is often modular meaning that I can reuse sculptural elements in the work.
Why do you create?
I create to stimulate conversations around neurodivergence and disability, but I also create sculptural work because I'm interested in movement and the body. I previously did performance work, but stopped as my disability progressed and I found that sculpture allowed me to explore similar terrain. Sculptural practice excites me as does the process of making new work.
“[The Art House is] a fantastic artistic community where I feel both connected to peers and supported by staff.”
Do you consider yourself to be part of an artist network/community, and if so, how does this impact your practice?
My studio is based at the Art House in Wakefield, which is the only accessible art studio in Yorkshire. It's a fantastic artistic community where I feel both connected to peers and supported by staff. I am also part of Feral Rewilding, previously a member of Yorkshire Sculpture Network, and currently a member of Unground collective of former students from MA Art and Ecology from Goldsmiths.
What changes would you like to see in the arts sector?
I would like to see more accessible art spaces in the region.
How has the UNBOUND development and mentoring programme, about creating art for public spaces, impacted your own outlook and your creativity?
I have particularly appreciated learning more about the technical aspects of planning and installing public work. It has also been nice to paired with a mentor who is actively working in the field. I'm glad to be connected to a wider group of people creating work that could be shared in the public realm.
What are your future aspirations as a visual artist and have you got anything coming up you’d like to share?
I am passionate about pedagogy, and I will be teaching in the Netherlands and the UK in 2025. I also have group shows in two national and international major institutions which I am really excited about, but unable to share just yet! I will also be exhibiting as part of Feral Rewilding in the new year in Hull, and as part of Unground Collective in London.
Links:
Credits: Image with black tilted sculpture on a tuquoise plinth is. Instability, 'Towards New Worlds' exhibition, 2024/25 photograph Rachel Deakin
Image with yellow sculpture in is Porosity Installation, Goldsmiths Summer Show, 2023, photograph G Semple
UNBOUND is part of Our Year, and is funded by Wakefield Council, Cultural Development Fund and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.