Direct-to-stone sculptor Andrew Hood in conversation.

www.mcalistairhood.artweb.com
www.theunlimitedpodcast.com

Andrew's manifesto:

To become the finest stone sculptor is my most pressing ambition. To that end I endeavour to achieve the technical ability of the figurative sculptors of Classical and High Renaissance times.

I wish to be “Reading’s sculptor”, following the tradition of George Blackall Simonds and Eric Stamford FRBS.

I have noticed that Humanity is at its most noble when engaged in struggle.

Excessive comfort, wealth and ease therefore ought to be avoided more energetically than poverty, pain and hardship.

For this reason I want my sculpture to revel in the savage and spiritual aspects of human existence – to demonstrate how the raw experience of the world directly upon our senses and intellect (without the anaesthetic effect of an over-full stomach, cars, shoes or central heating) enhances our spirituality and physical well-being.

The artist must live the life that he endorses – which is why I always run barefoot, shiver, sweat and experience desperate hunger often.