In participation with London Craft Week 2019 our Mount Street store in Mayfair is showcasing the work of British sculptor Dominic J McHenry.
Dominic has created a bespoke series of sculptures which will be housed in our store window and accompanied by a selection of key pieces from our upcoming AW19 collection, a collection that celebrates innovative use of shape.
The collaboration, in partnership with Wood Society of the Arts (@woodsocietyofthearts), was formed after being captivated by Dominic’s inspired use of materials and craftsmanship, which are both guiding principles for the Linda Farrow brand.
We caught up with Dominic before the launch of his London Craft Week exhibition to talk materials, inspiration and London.
What inspired your recent work for our Mount Street store?
I had a few hours to kill a couple of months ago and I was near the British Museum. I spent the whole afternoon looking at these great fragments from ancient temples that are now resting on white plinths. They looked like modernist abstract sculptures in a gallery. Since then I've been looking for an excuse to make a series of pieces that have that fragmented look of something removed from its original place and function.
I had a few hours to kill a couple of months ago and I was near the British Museum. I spent the whole afternoon looking at these great fragments from ancient temples that are now resting on white plinths. They looked like modernist abstract sculptures in a gallery. Since then I've been looking for an excuse to make a series of pieces that have that fragmented look of something removed from its original place and function.
Where do your ideas come from?
I spend a lot of time drawing plans in big sketch book I carry around with me. Drawing is a key part of my practice as that is where a lot of my ideas are crystalized. I explore geometric patterns and shapes on my drawing board to see what kind of sculptures I can get out of the materials I have. I like to look at my previous sculptures and see where I can push certain aspects more or where I can simplify a line or curve.
I spend a lot of time drawing plans in big sketch book I carry around with me. Drawing is a key part of my practice as that is where a lot of my ideas are crystalized. I explore geometric patterns and shapes on my drawing board to see what kind of sculptures I can get out of the materials I have. I like to look at my previous sculptures and see where I can push certain aspects more or where I can simplify a line or curve.
How do you decide on the materiality for each sculpture?
The material of my sculptures is not as important to me when compared with the form. Often the material is a means to an end and is used because it’s available to me at the time. The form of the sculpture is the subject of the work and the material is the method.
The material of my sculptures is not as important to me when compared with the form. Often the material is a means to an end and is used because it’s available to me at the time. The form of the sculpture is the subject of the work and the material is the method.
How do you know when a sculpture is finished?
My approach to sculpture is unlike any other artist I know. Instead of exploring and discovering new avenues as I progress though the work, I tend of work to a plan that I draught up beforehand. I have a clear image of the piece before I begin work. The creative process is over by the time I pick up my tools.
My approach to sculpture is unlike any other artist I know. Instead of exploring and discovering new avenues as I progress though the work, I tend of work to a plan that I draught up beforehand. I have a clear image of the piece before I begin work. The creative process is over by the time I pick up my tools.
Do you recall a pivotal moment when you decided to be an artist?
I can't recall an exact moment I thought to become an artist. I’m still unsure if I want to be one. It’s something I have always done from as far back as I can remember, be it painting air fix tanks or making structures out of Lego, I’ve constantly been making things with my hands. I used to want to be a ballet dancer for a long period, until I realised I wasn't any good. Maybe that gave me a discipline in understanding three-dimensional form, I’m not sure.
I can't recall an exact moment I thought to become an artist. I’m still unsure if I want to be one. It’s something I have always done from as far back as I can remember, be it painting air fix tanks or making structures out of Lego, I’ve constantly been making things with my hands. I used to want to be a ballet dancer for a long period, until I realised I wasn't any good. Maybe that gave me a discipline in understanding three-dimensional form, I’m not sure.
Do you prefer to work independently or as part of a community?
I love to work on my own. I think most artists like to be on their own when creating art. There are very few jobs that allow that level of independent work. Having said that some of the best fun I've had has come from working with a collective called Bask. It comprises of me and two other sculptors and we have managed to build up a short hand language when creating work. Great things happen when we work together.
I love to work on my own. I think most artists like to be on their own when creating art. There are very few jobs that allow that level of independent work. Having said that some of the best fun I've had has come from working with a collective called Bask. It comprises of me and two other sculptors and we have managed to build up a short hand language when creating work. Great things happen when we work together.
What is your favourite art gallery in London and why?
It’s hard to have favourite gallery because often the ones I love put on work I don't like and vice versa. Architecturally, I am blown away by Tate Modern’s Blavatnik Building. I will happily walk about it without looking at any art.
It’s hard to have favourite gallery because often the ones I love put on work I don't like and vice versa. Architecturally, I am blown away by Tate Modern’s Blavatnik Building. I will happily walk about it without looking at any art.