Clementine Stoney Maconachie (b. 1981) is an Australian artist whose sculptural works explore the intersection of materiality, balance, and perception. Based in Sydney, Maconachie is known for her innovative approach to form, cold-bending metal into delicate, organic shapes that challenge the inherent rigidity of her chosen materials. Through this process, she plays with contrast—making hard materials appear soft, pliable, and weightless, evoking the impression of folded paper rather than solid metal. Her work embraces imperfection, emphasizing the subtle nuances of form, surface, and proportion to create compositions that feel both structured and spontaneous.
Maconachie’s practice is deeply rooted in an exploration of balance—both physical and aesthetic. By manipulating metal into flowing, curved forms, the artist considers the interplay between strength and fragility. Each piece reveals the mark of the artist’s hand, highlighting the raw beauty of the material and reinforcing her embrace of imperfection as an essential part of her artistic language.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Maconachie has an extraordinary background as an Olympian and former world record holder, a discipline that informs her approach to process and precision. The same dedication and physical engagement that defined her athletic career are evident in her sculptural practice, where physicality plays a crucial role in shaping her work. Her ability to navigate the tension between control and fluidity translates seamlessly into her art, reinforcing the poetic balance that defines her sculptures.
Maconachie’s work has been exhibited in galleries across Australia and internationally. Through her meticulous manipulation of materials and her embrace of imperfection, she redefines the way we perceive form, challenging the boundaries between softness and solidity.