André Masters & CJ Munn first connected on the Internet in 2003 through a shared love of lifecasting and sculpture when they were irresistibly drawn to photographs of each other’s work. What began as a passion for the creative arts and a fascination with the making process grew into a loving partnership that would flourish both in and out of the studio.
About the artists…
“Committed, hard-working perfectionists, with a great sense of humour and the added bonus of André’s homemade salmon quiches!"
— Kirsty Mitchell
André, a former senior model maker and Head of Department in the film industry, also served as an Associate Sculpture Teacher at the prestigious Benenden School for Girls. Like André, CJ is internationally recognized in her fields and the only UK artist to have ever won an International Lifecasting Award from the Association of Lifecasters International. Together, they work across a vast range of materials—from copper and leather to glass and gold. Their innovative approach has earned both national and international recognition, including the very first International Rising Star Award at the 3D Print Show for Icarus Had a Sister, a groundbreaking fusion of traditional sculpture and cutting-edge technology.
This piece was shown at the visiting exhibition centre of The Louvre in Paris, to much critical acclaim, and despite its ‘hybrid status’ was named favourite piece of 3d printed art of all time by technology journalist Rachel Park.
Masters & Munn are fierce campaigners for the appreciation of aestheticism, fine attention to detail and true craftsmanship in the arts; rejecting the lauding of that which aims to shock or confuse with gimmickry.
They love to be creatively challenged, and believe in the need to keep learning new skills to keep their passion for the arts alive and effervescent, responding to ever-developing material technologies available to contemporary sculptors whilst continuing to pay homage to the more ancient and traditional art forms.
“I always relish the chance to work with Masters & Munn. It's increasingly rare to encounter such a high level of experience, expertise, competence and knowledge, and it makes me feel safe. Safe that the very best decisions have been made; safe that the quality will be extraordinary; safe that the commissioning process will be smooth and enjoyable. I'm a demanding collaborator, but, oh!, the utter joy of working with people who I trust so completely to do a brilliant job on such crucial aspects of our projects.”
— Lucy Quinnell, The Fire & Iron Gallery.
In his spare time, André is both Lead Running Coach and Strength & Conditioning Coach for The Maidstone Harriers Run & Triathlon Club, where he recently won the ‘Coach of the Year’ Award by popular vote. He is a keen cook, loves to travel and free-dive, and is a huge animal lover. CJ also adores animals and travel but is a much less enthusiastic cook and athlete. She makes up for this with her love of singing, swimming, and writing award-winning but slightly sarcastic poetry.