Andy Hopkins

I trained as an architectural banker mason at the turn of the millennium, and for the next fifteen years or so, worked exclusively in stone, particularly British limestones and sandstones, but also in marble and other exotic imports, making architectural pieces, sculptures and carvings. I am not the kind of stone sculptor that works much with machinery and industrial processes. I guess I have a romantic view of working directly by hand, chisel on stone, mallet on chisel, with just hand tools, my own power and eye to guide me.

A few years ago, I discovered the joys of working in solid clay – not for firing but for casting. I found, to my delight, that I could produce far more delicate forms than with stone, and I threw myself into this new medium. A happy side-effect has been that I am able to work near other artists, without the constant burden of the noise and dust that accompany my stone activities!

In clay, I am drawn to figurative forms, and try to convey expression, emotion and animation in the figures I make. In this strange online universe, we seem to be drowning in set-faced selfie images that appear of people in fixed poses. I want to capture photographic-type moments of faces in interaction with naturally-occurring expressions of fear, doubt, love, glee …  faces that move the viewer, that compel, that intrigue, and ones that make you laugh.

Sculpture works are for sale, possibly including those illustrated here. Please get in touch with the artist using the contact details below, for further information.

Contact details:
Mobile: 07785 272453
Email: andy.hopkins@live.co.uk
Website: www.andyhopkinssculptor.co.uk