Annette Hennesesy
Blue Dancer
I have made sculpture for 45 years now. I dont feel that old though.
I like to use many different materials .
Sometimes my choice of materials is driven by experimentation, sometimes by financial considerations.
For example Bronze is a very expensive material to work in but has qualities of durability and strength which makes it suitable for outdoor use.
If the sculpture is going to be indoors the possibilities are endless.
For example I have used Polyfilla (it takes colour very well!). I used papier mache, car filler,insulation,peat,wax.
Who knows what next.
In college I learnt to stone carve but I quickly discovered.that I prefer to model which is the opposite technique.ie you build up instead of taking away .
I also moved towards figurative work which was not fashionable at the time.
To work figuratively it is essential to do lots of lifedrawing even if you are going to stylise your work.
My influences are often not from Art at all but from ethnographic, folk and museum visits.
Sometimes a random photographic image will spark something.
Often music can trigger a feeling I want to express.
Global concerns regarding environmental issues drive the work.
The sculpture in this exhibition is made from several different materials which is called mixed media.
I begin with a metal structure called an armature in the shape that I want.
Then I add resin and fibreglass and wire to reinforce the structure.
I keep checking the dimensions and proportions.
Usually adjustments are necessary as I go on.
Then
I add layers of wax or clay or paper pulp,whatever material I am using.
I file sand refine....
Lastly I add colour. Maybe spray ,polish,wax,goldleaf.
Making sculpture is such a central part of my life that I cannot imagine a time when I will not make art.