One of my favourite places to visit when I am in St. Ives, Cornwall, is Barbara Hepworth’s house and Gardens. Nestled in-between the higgledy piggledy whitewashed seaside homes that surround the bay, is a gem that I am in awe of and it inspires me greatly whenever I visit.
Hepworth is a contemporary of Henry Moore and the influence they have on each other is clear to see, however, Hepworth wasn’t always seen as equal to Moore, being a woman she had to shout louder. Her work, inspired by organic shapes and the human body created from bronze, stone, wood and steel make for the most wonderful pieces. So tactile and imposing yet totally sympathetic and perfect for the surroundings
Whilst her work is displayed all over the world, the joy of seeing so many pieces together in her garden in amongst the trees and shrubs is magical not just for myself, but for my 2 year old daughter who was mesmerised by the scale and shapes of the sculptures. She just wanted to give them a big hug.
I could visit Hepworth’s home over and over again and see something new in it and be inspired time and time again. If you haven’t been and you are down that way in Cornwall, definitely go and see it for yourself. Enjoy looking at the pics and below you will also see 3 of the studies I have made inspired by what I’ve seen. These will inform a larger piece I will do soon.
