KENT ARTIST PROFILE :
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE :
WENDY LOVE HINDS
FROM MAKING SKETCHES TO CREATING A BEAUTIFUL FINISHED PIECE , KENT ARTIST , WENDY LOVE HINDS HAS A DEFINITE METHOD TO HER CREATIONS . AND IT WORKS , TOO . HER LIFELIKE SCULPTURES OF KENTISH WILDLIFE ARE STUNNING , CAPTURING NATURE AT ITS FINEST .
If you had to define your art , how would you describe what you do ?
I ’ m mainly a ceramic artist though I do produce a selection of gicleé prints and cards . I would describe myself as a wildlife artist with an illustrative style !
How did you become an artist ?
My interest in art has been lifelong really , but when I left school it remained mostly a hobby until my children were at school and I started art classes , then a friend introduced me to clay and the rest , as they say , is history .
How do you choose your subject matter ?
I ’ m naturally drawn to the natural world ; I ’ ve stuck mainly to British wildlife in recent years ( hares are very popular !) but I have plans to move further afield , subject wise . I ’ m lucky to have the Big Cat Sanctuary on my doorstep , so I ’ m hoping to visit there this year as those big cats would be beautiful to sculpt .
What is the most interesting commission you ’ ve ever received ?
It ’ s always an honour to be asked to make a commission for someone , especially when it ’ s their beloved pet . It would be hard to choose a favourite as they are all rather special , particularly if they are a posthumous request .
What has been your proudest artistic achievement to date ?
It would have to be the opportunity I now have to give back by teaching , be it a school workshop or one-to-one tuition . The most rewarding however , without a doubt has to be the work I have done with the disabled artists at Canterbury Oast Trust where I have been a tutor for the past four years . Although the disabilities are mixed , we prefer to focus on each individual ’ s ability and tailor the project with this in mind . The work they produce is amazing and is shown and sold in exhibitions and galleries throughout the year . Unfortunately , due to injuring my back earlier this year I ’ m unable to work there at the moment and miss them all terribly .
What is it about animals that makes them such great subject matter ?
I love the diverse range that the animal kingdom provides , the character of each animal and the way they interact with each other and their habitat . Also the fact that we ’ re a nation of animal lovers makes them a very popular subject .
Where can we see your work ?
My work can frequently be seen at both the Singing Soul Gallery in Cranbrook and the West End House Gallery in Smarden . This month , I will also be taking part in the Pilgrims
Way Artists 21st Anniversary Exhibition 18th- 28th May , Roots Festival 18th-20th May and Pashley Manor ’ s Sculpture in Particular 26th May-2nd June .
What does the rest of 2018 hold in store for you ?
This year will include a mix of exhibitions old and new , I ’ m also intending to get enough work made so I can approach some new galleries further afield . Later on in the year , I ’ m looking forward to what could be classed as a busman ’ s holiday when I ’ ll be taking part in a workshop in Devon by one of my favourite wildlife sculptors , Nick Mackman . I love seeing how other ceramicists work and it ’ s my belief we should never stop learning !
www . lovesartandsculpture . com www . wendylovehinds . blogspot . co . uk
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