Artistic influences

Artists are frequently asked about the influences shaping their work. While understanding these influences can enrich the appreciation of an artist’s creations, it may also limit interpretation by anchoring it to specific references. Artistic inspiration is rarely singular; it emerges from a confluence of experiences, ideas, research and impressions. These influences often operate subtly during the creative process, with no single voice dominating—nor should one. This dynamic interplay of inspiration is evident in how Henry Moore’s legacy – and particularly his exploration of solid and void – informs my work, not as a directive force but as a quiet presence on the periphery of my artistic consciousness.

Henry Moore’s sculptures are a masterclass in the power of absence. The artist’s innovative use of empty space in many of his works transforms voids into vital elements, challenging our perception of form and substance. In his exploration of negative space, holes and cavities becoming as crucial to the composition as the solid material itself. By creating openings in his work, Moore not only lightened the visual weight of his sculptures but also invited viewers to engage with the work in a more dynamic way, peering through the gaps and experiencing the interplay between solid and void. The dialogue between presence and absence became a defining characteristic of his artistic voice.