This month we're looking behind the brush with Selina Geddes. Once again, it's not quite a brush but more about sculpture!
This month we're looking behind the brush with Selina Geddes. Once again, it's not quite a brush but more about sculpture! Selina hails from the beautiful county of Hampshire. You can view her collection here.
1 Can you walk us through your creative process from idea to finished piece?
My creative process begins as a form sculpted from clay. This form is then transformed into a cast by creating a mould. The mould serves as the cornerstone for the eventual casting in bronze resin.
2 Who or what has been your greatest art influence and why?
My greatest influence is undoubtedly the artist Elisabeth Frink. Her equestrian pieces in particular have a distinct blend of majestic elegance and muscular form, that speaks deeply to my love of horses. Drawing from her work, I've developed a keen eye for capturing the animal's essence - their strength, posture, and grace. But more broadly, I love the work of Rodin and his ability to express emotions in his pieces, alongside Anthony Gormley's powerful human forms, which i think are wonderful in terms of blending sculpture with the wider environment. Lastly, it was my mother who introduced me to the captivating equine works of Sartorius, particularly his ability to depict the innate nobility and spirit of the horse. This has deeply shaped my own style and approach, where I attempt to capture these magnificent creatures' inner strength and elegance.
3 If you could swap lives with any fictional character for a day, who would it be and why?
If I could switch lives with a fictional character, it would be Elisabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. The understated elegance, straightforwardness, and subtler romantic nuances kindles within me a longing for a seemingly simpler time! Living in a village down the road from where Jane Austen did most of her writing, I enjoy walking alongside my husband and collie, reflecting whether its the same sights and sounds that might have inspired her.
4 How has your environment—where you live or work—shaped your creativity?
My environment has been incredibly influential in shaping my creativity. Between my exposure to horses as a child and teenager and living with two parents who were both architects and artists in their own right, I grew up in a household of creativity. My life now is still lived in countryside and I find I am incredibly lucky to be surrounded by inspiration every day.
5 What’s your ideal way to spend a lazy Sunday?
I don't think I do lazy Sundays, or at least that is what my husband and children would say! Ultimately I just love having a lively house overflowing with friends, family, pets, and laughter.
6 What do you enjoy doing when you're not sculpting?
Outside of sculpting, my occupational therapy work in orthopaedics is incredibly fulfilling and introduces me to some of the most amazing people, (including other artists). When I’m not working with patients or sculpting, I get my happiness from travelling, writing to-do lists for my husband(!), building a home thats always ready for guests, gardening, and - most importantly - spending time with my family and friends.