When did you start your creative practice and why?
I’ve always been creative, and after a Fine Art Foundation Course in Somerset and an HND in Graphic Design at what is now the Falmouth School of Art, I designed and illustrated all manner of things. I never felt that I’d found my niche, so in 2008, I went back to basics and took courses in a wide range of mediums to explore my creative interests and inspiration. Learning silversmithing skills at an evening class in Chesterfield evolved until in 2020, I found my creative medium – sculpture.
How would you describe your artistic style to someone unfamiliar with your work?
I create landscapes in reclaimed copper, wood and pyrography using traditional copper smithing and wood carving skills.
What themes or ideas do you find yourself returning to most often?
Common themes in my work are the damage we do to our environment, often unwittingly and Nature’s incredible ability to recover and reclaim. I’ve always lived in rural locations, and I see people increasingly removed from the countryside so it becomes a kind of theme park rather than a living and working environment.
What is your creative process from idea to finished piece is it always the same?
Pretty much, it’s a cycle of inspiration, plan and sketch the composition, create and build
Is there a particular piece of yours that feels especially meaningful? Why?
A couple of years ago, I made a sculpture of the aqueduct my cottage is built into. I couldn’t part with that one. Firstly, it’s a memory of an amazing and unique home and secondly, because I loved learning about the Industrial Revolution at school in Somerset, little realising that I’d live in it later in life.
What do you find challenging as an artist, and how do you overcome these challenges?
Time is my biggest challenge currently as I work elsewhere, pretty much full time to afford a garret to starve in! Also, my work is often very detailed, so it takes time to create. My other challenge is finding the right wood for key pieces, but thankfully I have a great supplier in English Woods @Englishwoodsupplies who are brilliant.
Do you ever have creative blocks, how do you keep motivated?
Not so far, fingers crossed.
How does your immediate environment or location play in your work?
I joke that I step out of my door and fall over inspiration. That’s true to an extent as I’m fascinated by what I think of as the unremarkable landscapes e.g., a tree hanging over a gate, that for me hold as much value as the high-profile beauty spots such as Dovedale. I also have a real interest in English vernacular architecture as we’re losing so much as these buildings cease to be viable for modern purposes.
Who are the artists (past or present) who have strongly influenced you?
Brace yourself, quite a list! My perennial favourites include C F Tunnicliffe, particularly his woodcuts and engravings; the painters David Inshaw and Eric Ravilious. I also find Japanese ink wash and watercolour landscapes very evocative and inspirational.
How has your style or perspective evolved over time?
I’m always trying to evolve and challenge myself to see what I can do. That can be trying new techniques and tools, but also how I see and think about the landscape. I’m currently working on some more abstracted landscapes which I’m really enjoying.
What tools, materials, or techniques are essential to your practice? Is there a colour you just couldn't do without?
I discovered recently that I use traditional copper smithing skills and tools. Copper smithing is categorised by Heritage Crafts as a critically endangered skill, so I’m thinking about how I share them and engage others with their potential.
How do you balance artistic expression with practical concerns like income or marketing, social media?
The thing I didn’t consider about being a Sculptor is that you become Head of Logistics, Head of Marketing, and your own Admin person. It’s all a huge learning curve. It’s a challenge timewise and my biggest challenge is not over-committing myself.
If your work could evoke one feeling or reaction in viewers, what would it be?
I love it when I see people smile and relax when they see my work. I want to share the peace that comes from being in the countryside
What is your website and how do we find you on social media?
No website at present. Instagram: @AjkcSculpture
