Tenfold • Lucy Kinsella
Animals have formed the basis of my sculpture throughout my career. Whilst I’m aware that I am treading a well-worn path, I am also mindful that the historical antecedent of the subject could weigh heavy if I let it. I don’t want to end up producing just another horse sculpture but my sculpture of a horse.
My approach is objective in terms of form and structure. The idiosyncratic characteristics of the animal are projected through the sculpture. I spend a good deal of time observing and drawing the movement, posture and physical nature of the subject. I am comfortable with the materials I use. Maquette’s modelled directly in wax offer a simple but effective means of viewing composition and structure. Clay has an earthy, sensual quality that allows for spontaneity and expression. The intention is to capture the energy of the beast, muscle and bone, belly and balls - a slice of action, stopped but not static.
There are no cryptic messages to be read into the work - what you see is what you get - but I do wish to convey the affection and empathy I have for the subject. My work endeavours to marry the physicality of the object with the idea of an elemental life force that drives us all.
