Sam Sherborne - Stamps

“Stamps, die and sinker”

All images credit: Sam Walker

 

Door panel stamp

Close-up of a rustic, rectangular metal latch on a wooden surface. The metal latch appears weathered and is framed by a section of unpolished wood, highlighting a contrast between materials.

This tool has a stamp on each end and is for making two different sizes of door panel to make the door in the 'Hot Water' sculpture. The 6 panelled door was typical of my parents' large, once grand, ramshackle house in the 1960's.

Greyhound stamp

A black metal emblem of a running greyhound is attached to a wooden surface. The background comprises a wooden panel with visible grain texture.

The design of this greyhound stamp is inspired by a ceramic tiled relief on the front of the Greyhound pub in Attercliffe, not far from my forge. It features in the sculpture 'Under the Influence' and 'Living the Dream', both in this exhibition, and in some others that aren't, such as ' How Much Work is Too Much.' It means different things in different sculptures but generally means exertion of one kind or another.

Plantain leaf stamp

Close-up of a textured metal plaque featuring an embossed leaf pattern with horizontal lines. The plaque is mounted on a wooden background with visible grain and a decorative red stripe at the top.

This is a stamp of a plantain leaf and was used in ‘Staying Alive'. I find weeds inspiring for their toughness and resilience. Ironically, at my school, as a child, being called a ‘weed' was a term of abuse implying that you were weak or emotional.

Mobile phone keypad stamp

A close-up of a metallic square tool with nine rounded, concave impressions arranged in a grid pattern. The tool has a worn, rustic appearance and is set against a wooden surface.

This is a stamp of a mobile phone keypad as used in the sculpture 'Phonehead'. The sculpture was previously known as 'Cognisant or Vegetative' and addresses the dehumanising effect of modern technology.

 

Dandelion leaf stamp

Close-up of a metal object with a carved design resembling a stylized leaf or feather. The object is set against a wooden surface, showing intricate, wave-like edges.

This dandelion leaf stamp was used in 'Staying Alive' alongside the plantain leaf stamp, both examples of plants thought of as weeds.

Dunstanburgh Castle stamp

Close-up of a metal emblem depicting three abstract towers on a landscape, set against a wooden background. The emblem has a rustic and weathered appearance.

The Dunstanburgh Castle stamp is used in 'The Glimpse' and sets the scene as Embleton Bay. It represents the passing of time, the dangers of vaulting ambition, and impermanence.

Seven heads stamp

A weathered, metal tool with eight round, concave molds on a wooden surface. There is a handle attached below the molds.

This stamp makes the outline shape of seven heads in a row (fairly evenly spaced). The eyeballs are added with a punch after the stamping. It has been used in 'Staying Alive' and 'The Glimpse' and is inspired by Tibetan art that uses rows of skulls to decorate statue cabinets and other furniture.

Dandelion stamp

A metal object with a square top features a cut-out design of a thistle with leaves and a spiky flower. The dark metal contrasts with the lighter wooden background.

The dandelion stamp is used in 'Staying Alive' to create a background frieze.

 

Running person stamp

A metal plaque features a relief of three abstract human figures in motion, each with a distinct pose. The artwork is in a rustic style, mounted on a wooden background.

The running person stamp is used in 'Debate on Ward F' and in 'Run for it' (not in the exhibition) and is used to portray a desperate, frightening situation that needs drastic and decisive action to resolve.

Welding shrink sinker

Close-up of a textured metal object with a square depression in the center, placed on a wooden surface. A small round copper-colored piece is partially visible to the right.

Sometimes I make a tool at each end of the shaft. This has the fish stamp at the other end. This tool is called a sinker because it is sunk, or hammered, into a block of hot steel to make a drop-forging die. In this case, the die to be made would produce a welding screen shape, similar to the one in ‘Self-portrait' and in the Gas Explosion Memorial at Sussex Street, Sheffield S4.

Angel stamp

An abstract, metallic sculpture resembling a silhouetted figure in motion is mounted on a wooden surface. The figure has raised arms and appears dynamic. The wood grain is visible in the background, enhancing the texture contrast.

This stamp is made to create a recess to inlay the brass angel, as in 'Staying Alive'.

Clouds stamp

A textured metal plate layered with abstract, irregular shapes, possibly resembling landscapes or topographic designs. The plate has a reflective surface, casting light and shadows across its uneven contours.

The clouds stamp is used in 'The Glimpse' and shows the long, well demarcated clouds typical of Embleton Bay, that stretch over the North Sea and along the massive beach.

Self-portrait stamp

Close-up of a metal piece with two round holes resembling eyes and a shape suggesting a ghost-like figure. The metallic surface is shiny and textured, set against a wooden background.

The self-portrait stamp features in quite a few sculptures, including 'Earthly Delights' and 'Goes Forth'. It is sometimes merely used as a way of signing the sculpture, but on other occasions it is a key image to the story the sculpture is telling. The stamp started sharp and well defined, but has flattened and blunted with use, and this has had a lot use, being one of my first stamps. The way the stamp has evolved with time seems to mirror the way I have aged, and it has kept abreast serendipitously with my aging appearance.

Oar drop-forging die

Close-up of an old, weathered metal object with a rectangular shape and a carved-out, narrow boat-like design in the center. The object is mounted on a wooden surface.

This is not a stamp, which produces a negative imprint, but a die, which produces a shape that is positive, or stands out from the surface. Hot metal is hit into it to create the oar head, whereas a stamp is hit into the metal. The oar is symbolic for me of having agency, strength and initiative and is inspired by my days as a rower.

Curlew stamp

A metal plaque depicts a stylized bird in flight against a textured background. The silhouette shows outstretched wings and a curved body, with an abstract design emphasizing movement and freedom.

The curlew stamp was made for ‘The Glimpse'. The inspiration came from my experience of running along the beach at Embleton Bay at dawn. Having swum in the November sea, full to the brim with endorphins, I heard the other-worldly cry of the curlew. It flew alongside me. It seemed to be saying, Follow me to something outside the ordinary and ethereal’. The curved beak, eye and distinctive legs were put on with punches after the stamping.

Meltdown stamp

A metal sculpture mounted on a wooden background. The sculpture resembles a stylized human figure with abstract features, including elongated limbs and a rounded head, with two screws visible in the top corners.

The Meltdown stamp took a long time to make. I didn't mind as I found it a constructive way of processing the bleak experience of things not going to plan. So far, thankfully, I have only needed to use it once, in 'Talking Frame'.

Virginia stamp

Metal sculpture of a person with straight hair and round glasses, featuring a stylized facial outline and hair texture. The piece has a modern, abstract design set against a wooden background.

This stamp has been used multiple times, such as in 'Goes Forth', and is a portrait stamp of my wife, Virginia.

Fish stamp

A close-up of a metal latch on a wooden surface, featuring a decorative design of three fish in a row, each with distinct patterns and textures. The background shows the grain of the wood.

The fish stamp has been used in 'Self Portrait' and 'Ritual depletion'. I have kept fish since I was about 10. A friend's mother had a spare tank, and she kindly helped me set it up. I now have a fishpond. The fish need constant attention and focus, and I often wonder why I bother. They are never far from my mind and, like many of the best activities in life, arguably completely pointless.