Angela Hook graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary, Alberta. There, she was exposed to many forms of art and types of media. In 2002 she began
exploring the possibilities of wire as an artistic medium. With few resources existing on the subject, she set out to re-popularize this form of creative expression as well as develop her technical expertise in a craft that seemed to have been forgotten.
"I see my work as 'linear sculpture'... it's like drawing without taking your pencil off the paper... only in three dimensions." The continuous line is very important. That is what helps the viewer's mind to fill in what is not there. It's a very elegant way of asking the audience to participate in the art, to finish the picture.
Growing up with horses made them a regular subject in Hook's art throughout the years. From doodles in sketch books to a life-size paper maché colt constructed of wrapping paper tubes and chicken wire. It was only natural that her first wire sculpture should be a horse...and it was! Although kind of wobbly and wiggly, this first piece created from a single strand of copper wire has led to years of exploration and practice creating equine characters and scenes from wire.
An intimate knowledge of equine behaviour and conformation has allowed most of Hook's work to come from memory and imagination, however, the ability to capture the differences between breeds and personalities occaisionally requires observation or visual references. Or at least that's her excuse for sneaking out into the pastures to take photos!
Recently, Hook has expanded her range of materials to include copper tubing. This has allowed her to work on a much larger scale while applying the same vision and techniques she does with the wire. Working bigger means having to overcome a whole new set of technical challenges caused by the size and weight of the tubing sculptures.
February 2007 'Artist of the Month'
at Equestrian Network Magazine
is Angela Hook!
Check out the full article here.
All images and designs are copyrighted material. Use for inspiration, but please do not copy.
You can email Angela to discuss custom work, arrange a workshop or ask any wire-related questions.
SHOP FOR WIRE ART at H2Okay Creative.
One-of-a-kind wire sculptures and art pieces by Angela Hook.
