10
SSS Sculpture Prize
Photos and text supplied by Gerard Floyd
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE WINNER
What or who inspires you?
I find people and human behaviour fascinating - our reactions and responses to events in our lives and to each other. There are many artists who I enjoy and influence me in some way. However, it was the work of Maria Bartuszová that most inspired the work I showed at the SSS Landmark Centre Exhibition; certainly in terms of the material she used, which is plaster. I really loved the way the sculptures she made connected and impacted on each other.
What motivates you?
If I’m being honest my biggest motivation is also the same thing that holds me back, it is fear: fear of not having a voice or being misunderstood. Ironically I also believe all communication fails on some level. It’s a constant struggle.
Why are you so passionate about your work?
Because I feel like I have something I want to say. Whether that is something that others want to hear is another question entirely. I also find it fascinating how people project themselves into an art work. Ultimately it’s about making some kind of connection.
Did your upbringing influence your work?
I think early experiences all leave the deepest impressions. Certain issues can’t help but resonate with the wounded child that lives inside me. I lost a sister who was very close to me when I was 6 years old. I always think about how my life would be different if she were still alive. With everyone in my family lost in their own grief it was difficult to feel heard especially being the youngest.
For the Grad show of my foundation last year I created a series of ceramic spheres that had ears positioned inside them. I called this work INSULAR. I think this may have been some kind of expression of not feeling heard as a child, although this was not part of my conscious process when I was making them.
What event/experience has made an impact on your life as an artist?
Nearly all the most significant experiences have involved loss of some kind. I lost my mother in my early 20s which confused me a lot. I couldn’t reconcile the idea that the person who gave life to me was no longer alive and that somehow I still was alive. I didn’t understand how great my connection to her was until then.
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