Institute of Art Design + Technology
Dún Laoghaire

Nicola Chambers 

BA [Hons] Art

Nicola Chambers is an Irish artist from Mayo. Her work is primarily focused on kinetic and light-based sculpture. Having previously been trained in traditional upholstery, Nicola tends to treat her materials as if they where fabric, sewing solid items together and creating three dimensional objects from flat patterns. Nicola has exhibited work in a number of IADT student shows, including Perceived Dimensions (IMMA, 2018), Making the Intangible Tangible (United Arts Club, 2019) and High Heart (Pallas Projects/Studios, 2021), which was presented online.

A years investigation into the shape of movement

The scientific method involves identifying a problem, gathering relevant data, and then formulating a hypothesis from data that can be empirically tested. This is the process I have applied to my work. I never begin with a finished outcome in mind. Instead, through experimentation, I follow a process determined by my research questions. This project originated as an investigation into wind and how to capture its essence. I was interested in the movement of air and how it feels. By experimenting with steam, fabric, flour, and a wide range of sculptural materials, I realised that wind was actually less important to me than the mechanics of movement itself. My work evolved into the creation of a series of sculptural installations that include animation machines. I began by attempting to sculpt something that you cannot see, but I now seek to capture motion in new ways.