Sculptures fall into a number of categories; they can be shaped from clay, or assembled from plastic. Sometimes they are carved, their shape being freed from timber or stone. Other sculptures are cast from moulds. They are truly a versatile and expansive form of art.
Considering key examples of sculpture no doubt brings to mind great pieces such as Michelangelo’s ‘David’, or the ‘Angel of the North’ by Antony Gormley - our world is full of astounding and lovingly-crafted works. Chiselled from marble or assembled from wood, sculpture offers artists a clear and long-lasting way of expressing themselves.
We have a great many remnant pieces from ancient civilisations such as the Romans and Greeks. Stone busts with piercing white globed eyes, or statues with broken arms fractured centuries ago. When they stood in their cities they would have been painted. Those bright colours are lost now, and only the pale marble remains.
Since then artists have evolved to use new materials such as plastic. New techniques have emerged and new styles have been developed. And the medium is hugely popular with collectors and critics alike.
Artists are not limited by materials, some choosing to use only one - others mixing components. Trent Galleries feature the work of many artists who specialise in working with sculptures. They are varied in their approach and techniques. We have offered an overview of key contemporary artists below.
Doug Hyde
Hailed as the ‘best living artist in the UK’ (BBC), Doug Hyde works with cold-cast porcelain, and his new collection aims to feature life’s little pleasures. He wants to celebrate love in all its forms. Despite its name, the material Doug uses is not porcelain; instead, cold porcelain is made from a mixture of cornstarch and glue. His current collection features sculptures such as Memories and Life is Sweet.
While his figures are pale, the sculptures use bright colours in things such as sweets and hearts, and of course the animals in his art always have a little colour on their coats!
Jennifer Hogwood
Growing up in rural Bedfordshire has no doubt inspired Jennifer Hogwood’s art. Her famous cows, ‘The McMoos’, and hares, ‘The McHoppers’, are often portrayed in her work. Her sculptures, such as ‘I’m all ears’ are made from cold-cast bronze.
Cold-cast bronze is made by mixing metal powder with resin, making the finished piece look like it is made with solid bronze. The finished work has the same deep colours as bronze but is much lighter in weight.
Hogwood is completely self-taught and takes something from each piece she makes, stating she is ‘constantly evolving’. Certainly worth watching this artist as she produces more work.
Rebecca Lardner
As one of the most collectable artists in the UK, Rebecca Lardner was named ‘UK artist of the year’ in 2010. Since then her dreamy seascapes and entrance into the world of sculpture have resulted in her ongoing success in the art world.
Like Hyde, Lardner uses cold-cast porcelain for her pieces, but you can see for yourself that the two artist’s styles are very different. Rebecca uses a decidedly nautical theme in her pallet, and not only in the colours but also in theme. Her ‘Rocky Romance’ sculpture features two puffins staring into each other’s eyes, and her other works feature boats and seagulls. A breath of the sea breeze seems to come from her work, and they certainly offer a better view than an office block!
Need some inspiration?
These are just three of our favourite artists, there are many more to choose from. Why not come visit one of our galleries? We have galleries in Oakham, Beverley, and Newark.
If you are looking for a sculpture for your living room or your office, speak to one of our expert members of staff today. We will be happy to advise you on what would work in your space. Did you know we offer home consultations to ensure you get the right artwork for your space?