This book is a little insight into the world of Sophie Ryder.  There are examples of her work from mid-career to 2016 with the introduction and foreword written by the Directors of two of the most prominent Sculptures Parks in the world.  Peter Murray who was Director of Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Yorkshire, UK and Joseph Becherer who was the director of the Frederick Meijer Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, USA.

Sophie Ryder (b 1963) is one of the leading female artists of our time.  Her imaginary world is populated by mystical hybrid creatures bound together in intimate and affectionate companionship.  Inspired by Picasso, Goya and Henry Moore she famously developed the Lady Hare as a counterpart to the Minotaur.

Although best-known for her huge wire sculpture Ryder has never ceased fascination by the opportunities offered by other materials – bronze, wet plaster, embedded with old machine parts, sheet steel, marble, stained glass and tapestry all are pressed into service as outlets for her prodigious imagination. Drawing, paintings and printmaking have always been central to her artistic practice and are a vital creative counterpart to her sculptural work.