CAROL ORWIN
I studied at High Wycombe College of Technology and Art, very much a life modelling and casting skills course, aimed at producing a working sculptor.
Moved to Lancaster and worked with a sculptor in residence at Lancaster University, whilst preparing a portfolio of work for application to a London Art School. I was accepted by St Martin’s School of Art to study under Sir Anthony Caro and Phillip King (both of whom had an enormous influence on my work at that time) on the Advanced Post Graduate Sculpture course.
After an amazing adventure in steel and other materials and methods, I moved into a studio in Clerkenwell in London. Here I missed the tools and equipment that St Martins provided and looked for cheaper materials to work in. Started using found metal and wood, but this proved to be very pricey and created a vast number of problems around storing and moving huge sculptures to exhibitions. After a while, my wonderful studio was absorbed into the Barbican and I had to move on!
I moved to Guildford to build my own studio and returned to clay and casting in a much smaller studio and clay room. I was lucky to have both!
I started teaching sculpture in Guildford and remained there as a part-time tutor for more years than I can remember. A happy time of passing on casting/modelling skills that had previously been taught to me.
I truly believe that any skill needs to be passed on to keep it going. I’m a modeller of animals, interested in the muscular form, movement, and power of the animal that I model. I aim to catch the vitality and nature of the animal without compromising its integrity. Watching the interaction of animals and interpreting their actions is very important to me.
My sculptures vary in size from small to life-sized and up to twice life-sized. I make all my own moulds and casts and specialise in the patinated finishes.
I’m a great believer in societies. As a member of the Surrey Sculpture Society, I have exhibited in many great places. The society has opened up so many fabulous venues to its members. I’ve been on the committee for ‘a few years’ (!) but feel it’s good to put back in what I’ve had from the society.
A joint show at the University of Surrey in the Lewis Elton Gallery, led to the University commissioning 3 life-sized Wolves to be cast in Bronze for the Lake Lawn. A commission to model a Sumatran Tiger cub and an Adolescent Tiger for ZSL London Zoo form part of the new ‘Tiger Territory’ that was opened in 2013 by the Duke of Edinburgh.
I would say that the main influencers of my work have always been Rembrandt Bugatti, Gaudier Breska and Eric Gill. Bugatti in particular!
Looking back 20 plus years – build a bigger studio! It’s horrifying how quickly one fills a space. AND install a hoist.
Going forward – to still, be working and hopefully recognise when I cannot! The sculpture is tough on the body.
