Simon Gudgeon
2013 Artist
2013 Artwork for Sale
Sculpture – Bronze – Edition of 50
4.5 x 4.8 x 12 inches
$4,500.00
Intent to Purchase, Lot #177
About the Artist
Simon Gudgeon is one of Britain's leading contemporary sculptors, and has developed a minimalist, semi-abstract style, capturing movement and emotion with a visual harmony that is unmistakably his own. Working primarily in bronze, his pared-down approach to sculpture embodies the flowing line of the natural form, turning it into something less detailed, more abstract. Gudgeon's work is featured in private and museum collections around the world. In 2009, his iconic sculpture "Isis" was installed in Hyde Park, London, the first such installation for over 50 years, and in 2012 the National Museum of Wildlife Art unveiled "Isis" in their Sculpture Trail, which is the only sculpture by a British sculptor on the trail.
Artist Questions
What artist inspires you? Why?
It depends on what I'm working on at the time, for example at the moment I am working on a series of kinetic sculptures most of which are pure abstract. My fascination with kinetic sculpture began when I first saw the work of Alexander Calder and George Rickey, and in the many ways, I feel my kinetic works are a tribute to those great masters of the art. I find the gentle movement of the sculptures mesmerizing and am fascinated by the infinite potential of kinetic art. To differing degrees, both Calder and Rickey had engineering backgrounds so they were able to apply this previous knowledge to solving the dilemmas of the creative process. This problem solving is an integral and essential process for me; learning a new skill and mastering the potential in different materials is exciting and hugely satisfying as an artist.
How do you come up with an idea for a new piece of artwork?
Inspiration comes from a variety of sources; from observation blended with thoughts and beliefs and the profound experiences of one's life, therefore much inspiration comes from the subconscious and cannot be controlled, turned on and off. There is no formula for repetition, and if there were, it would lack vitality and excitement that subconscious inspiration brings. Paul Gauguin wrote, "I close my eyes in order to see." Contemplation will bring as much inspiration as observation. One of the elements of inspiration that fascinates me is the human mind; because it is extremely complex, many of the elements in a piece of art will come from the sub-conscious, as indeed did the original idea, and therefore the full meaning behind the piece will not be evident, even to its creator.
Where is the most inspirational place you've visited lately?
Cirque du Soleil's latest show Kooza. I find the circus company's attitude to design, music, color, lighting, and costume extraordinary, added to which we have drama juxtaposed with humor, plus the incredible talent and sheer guts of the performers. All of this combined brings an experience that leaves you inspired, refreshed, and excited by the possibilities back in the studio.
Past Artwork (Since 2012)
