Amber Masters is a surrealist sculptor using found objects to explore themes of sentimentality and attachment. Gathering objects from charity shops is Amber’s way of breaking the cycle of ownership, preventing an item from being picked up just to be discarded again. By using these unwanted things in her work, she brings importance back to these once-loved items in the form of sculpture. Amber likes to select objects that appear commonly across different households, such as glasses or tea sets, to create a sense of familiarity to accompany the surreal visuals of her work.

Project: My collection

Most recently, Amber has been reflecting on the concept of collecting. Surely, the idea of being collected should be flattering, as it gives a great sense of value. But is there a cruelty in the containment of these objects? Toys that will never be played with, tea sets that will never entertain company, vases that will never hold flowers. By altering these objects, they will never be able to return to their functionality; however Amber believes that changing an object's purpose is better than refusing it a purpose entirely.