In his spare time, Gary Smith runs Gary Smith Welded Art welding metal, including unwanted cutlery, into unique pieces for private and commercial clients. The aerospace welder’s latest work New Beginnings is a three-piece sculpture featuring a host of butterflies covered in 24ct gold. It has been created for Macmillan Caring Locally (MCL), the charity which supports the Macmillan Unit and will be auctioned live at their annual fundraiser the Flutterby Ball and via Facebook on October 4.
Gary’s partner Fiona died at the Macmillan Unit in 2013, just months after her cancer diagnosis. “The care Fiona received was outstanding,” he said. “Nothing was too much trouble and I’ll be forever grateful for that.
“I feel honoured to be able to use my art to support the hospice’s work, it’s become a part of my life. “I hope my latest sculpture will raise a really impressive amount for Macmillan Caring Locally. “My two previous butterfly-themed sculptures for the charity – Flutterby and The Visitor – were made of unwanted cutlery and metal washers and raised a great deal.
“This year is MCL’s Golden Anniversary, hence the real gold butterflies, and it would be fabulous if New Beginnings raised a truly impressive amount.” Each butterfly in New Beginnings is formed in stainless steel, covered in 24ct gold, and set against a backdrop of copper and stainless steel. “I liked the idea of being able to see a butterfly slowly emerge in the first and second panels, b.