Dominic Wilcox works between the worlds of art, design, craft and technology to create innovative and thought-provoking objects. Wilcox, who was born in Sunderland and is now based in London, received his MA at the Royal College of Art in 2002 and has since been commissioned by people and organizations to think up unique, interesting ideas and turn them into reality.
From a xylophone bin to a finger nose stylus, the inventor is the master of repurposing everyday objects. The effects, documented in his new book, Variations on Normal, range from whimsical to surreal to slightly disturbing. Many of the Wilcox's works have a humorous slant and subvert everyday items, turning them into something unexpected. The artist's playful creativity, however, is no joke. His process is long and requires much learning: investigating methods of manufacturing, acquiring new skills or persuading experts to help. Wilcox doesn’t specialize in any one material or technique, instead letting the idea decide. “A lot of my work is based on everyday things and it’s very rare for me to do something in luxury materials," he says. What’s ultimately so fascinating about Wilcox's whimsical, awe-inspiring artworks is the way in which they compel the viewer to see ordinary things in a new light.