ARTIST INFORMATION
Paula Haughney
I’m 49 and have been an artist it seems all my life. I was born in Aldershot, England. I studied Fine Art at Portsmouth and in America. Gradually moving from painting to sculpture. I first came to London in 1983 to train to be an art teacher but at the time it wasn’t for me, so thought I ‘d better concentrate on being a sculptor. I started with wood then sought out stone carving classes and my love of stone started from there. I use different stones including alabaster and soapstones but most of my outdoor pieces are in Portland limestone or granite. Over the years I have completed many commissions for public buildings including Homerton Hospital, St Katherine’s Dock and BP in Brussels. My sculptures are in private and public collections in Britain, Europe and America.
My studio has been at the Bromley by Bow centre since 2001 and there are some of my sculptures dotted about the park adjoining the centre. I spend most of my time carving but I also teach stone carving/sculpture at West Dean College, Redbridge Institute, the Brady Centre and in my studio.
Carving is a wonderful technique, one process, peeling away the layers, to reveal the finished object. My main material is stone but wood has been creeping in and now metal is also making an appearance. I enjoy and need the physical challenge. I have carved large pieces over 3m tall, 20 metres long and landscape works (one nicknamed ‘Hackney Henge’)
All types of stone interest me from granite to soapstones. It’s the colours, the textures and the individual way they are approached. I often use the Direct method which allows the sculpture to develop according to the stone. I think as I’m working of how they were formed. Whether fire formed or once swimming in the sea, as Portland Limestone. Also I use stone that was once part of another constructions from bits of Old London Bridge to Stratford Post Office. This is not just economics or recycling its carrying on the story. My turn to interpret, to add myself to the script. The subject matter varies depending on my thoughts. Recently Manga and Anime have inspired me. Leading to the use of these images for metaphors for emotions and behaviour. The sculptures reflect an inner childlike self we usually keep hidden.
I have been described as an natural object maker, and I feel like a sponge soaking up what I see and feel.
I have completed many public commissions including Homerton Hospital, St Katherine’s Dock, BP Brussels and Herne Bay Kent, and now about to embark on a large work in metal for Corpus Christi Church in Wokingham.
Often my work is site specific, this adds another dimension to the narrative. Summing up I feel my work explores the nature and history of the material and tells our combined story.
SELECT EXHIBITIONS:
2008
Effervescent 3 Sussex Barn Gallery, West Dean College.
Bromley by Bow Open studios.
2007
Bromley by Bow Centre Open House Exhibition.
Open Studios Exploring line and form Sussex Barn Gallery, West Dean College
Effervescent 2 Sussex Barn Gallery, West Dean College .
2006
One-woman exhibition, Uppark house and gardens. Sussex. National Trust Property.
Bromley by Bow Centre Open House Exhibition, Open studios .
House of Erlion. Hackney, London. Exhibition of sculptures, ceramics and stained glass. Paula Haughney, Sheenagh McKinlay and Lucy Smith
WHAT IS ART BUFFET 