Art in Manufacturing: Sapien AKA Steve Anwar

Sapien is the alias and studio of artist and sculptor Steve Anwar, a maker of solid steel sculptures inspired by ethereal weightlessness.

Born and raised in Sheffield’s Brutalist Kelvin Flats, he is interested in exposing boundary lines between opposing elements: mind and matter, nature and machinery, steel and spirit. After discovering meditation as an aid to recovery in his own severely debilitating illness, Anwar is also an experienced meditation teacher with 17 years of dedicated practice.

Sapien has been in residency with SWS UK based in Lancaster. Established in 1985, SWS UK is a Lancaster-based manufacturer of garage doors, roller shutters, and retractable gates. Employing a dedicated in-house research and development team, SWS UK has earned a reputation as one of the industry’s leading manufacturers. 

During the residency at SWS, Sapien will unearth interesting connections and hidden histories from local heritage, to develop various mindful objects made from materials and techniques used at the factory, harnessing the power of storytelling through public art.