FEATURE ARTIST: Glen Colchin
Can you believe it has been an entire year since we started our feature artist series? This will be our final feature artist for now and we hope you'll enjoy getting to know Glen as much as we did.
Tell us all about you...
Hi all my name is Glen Colechin, I currently live in Taradale, Hawkesbay, New Zealand; aka 'Taradise city'. I was born in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England back in the 70s. This is where the great Yorkshire sculpture park is and some brilliant artist have come from such as Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and David Hockney.
How did you get into working with copper and creating copper art?
I worked in engineering which was a great source of experience in different techniques of using metals for 9 years, I started making pieces from the scrap we had laying around and eventually approached a gallery to see if they would be interested in taking some of my pieces. I got into a gallery called atmosphere and started entering exhibitions and art awards.
What was the first piece you ever made?
What was the first piece you ever made?
The first piece I ever made was 6 copper cyclists on a piece of white marble which I gave to my friends cycling team.
What is your favourite piece you've ever made and where is it now?
What is your favourite piece you've ever made and where is it now?
My favourite piece Is 'The Legend of Kilgaren'. It is a 2.5 metre tall Red Stag that sits in a client's garden in Waipukarau, NZ. The client is the president of the deer association for NZ and so had to make sure it really had captured the animals essence.
What are some notable features of your work?
What are some notable features of your work?
I've been very fortunate when it comes to selling pieces, and sold to some avid collectors. Gretchen Hawkesby being one of them.
I would say that I try to capture as much of the essence of the animals I create, as it changes the piece from being a static to a feeling of a living breathing piece.
Where is your workshop based? Do you ship worldwide?
Can we get your incredible work in Australia?
What is your favourite item to make?
Large Majestic animals are my favourite. I've just finished an exhibition called 'All Creatures Great and Small' which I made a 4 metro long stripped Marlin.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? What are your plans?
Hopefully I'll have a U.K. and U.S. arm of my business that can look after my pieces out there, but the head quarters always staying here in New Zealand.
Do you have any 'influences' or idols in the art world, people that you draw inspiration from?
Hopefully I'll have a U.K. and U.S. arm of my business that can look after my pieces out there, but the head quarters always staying here in New Zealand.
Do you have any 'influences' or idols in the art world, people that you draw inspiration from?
My Father is a water colour artist and has been a great inspiration to my work. He paints hunting scenes and we used to hunt together from an early age.
Where is your workshop based? Do you ship worldwide?
Can we get your incredible work in Australia?
My workshop is based in my double garage here in Taradale, New Zealand.
I send piece all over the globe and don't have a gallery or agent in Australia..... yet!
I send piece all over the globe and don't have a gallery or agent in Australia..... yet!
Is there anything you would like to say about you, your businesses' your art, the art world or even a favourite quote?
'Just follow your bliss'
