Steven John Wilkins
Sometimes, one must simply cease sculpting and merely look, look for all the things that aren't right with the piece…not the things that are imperfect; imperfect is unavoidable and actually desirable.Inspect photographs of the piece or look at it reflected in a mirror. The tendency for our minds to overlook errors can be upended simply by looking at a reflection.Then, take no action that day, come back to it later and then begin the work. This method can be applied to life; take the time to look closely, spend an entire day or week or however long you need to find what's wrong. Use your good relationships as a mirror, let people show you where you are wrong, then be glad for it!For knowing where you are wrong, you are now shown the path forward... Then, when you are ready, begin the work.
Steven John Wilkins is a South African sculptor whose work is renowned for its evocative depictions of wildlife and the soulful presence of his subjects.
His journey in sculpture began during his teenage years, creating metal assemblages and experimenting with the manipulation of diverse materials. Largely self-taught in his early years, he learned the art of assemblage from various sources, nurturing a fascination with form, texture, and structure.
After completing his schooling, Wilkins temporarily set aside sculpture to train and work as a professional goldsmith, a discipline he pursued for 12 years. This period refined his attention to precision, detail, and craftsmanship-skills that would later profoundly influence his sculptural practice.
Wilkins' return to sculpture was sparked by a pivotal moment: a leading South African gallery owner commissioned him to sculpt a pangolin within 24 hours. The challenge reignited his passion for sculpting and set him on a path to creating works that capture the essence of his subjects with striking emotional resonance.
His creative process begins with a deep study of his subject, but once sculpting begins, Wilkins deliberately works from memory. He embraces the "distortion of memory," allowing intuition and perception to shape the final form. Inspired by light, texture, and the unique character of wildlife, his sculptures reveal the intricate movement, spirit, and individuality of each animal.
Wilkins' works have been exhibited at numerous galleries across South Africa, and his studio in Johannesburg continues to be a space of exploration and refinement. His sculptures stand as meditative tributes to nature, merging technical mastery with a profound emotional connection to the animal world.