Born: 1977
Hometown: Gateshead
Based in: Gateshead
Operating from his studio in the north-east of England, Kingston University fashion design graduate Deane Hodgson’s eclectic body of work encompasses wall sculptures, analog collage and found poetry.
Under the guise of Mr What & Mrs Why, his analog collages involve experimenting with an endless array of found ephemera to create wildly varied works that embrace a diverse range of subject matter, from architecture and automobiles to animation and abstraction.
He enjoys nothing more than to root around second-hand shops and fairs for old, unloved photographs, books and magazines to breathe new life into, with any slight imperfections only serving to enhance the re-purposed nature.
Furthering his exploration of redeploying materials, his multi-layered geometric wall sculptures for The Artling primarily comprise discarded wood off-cuts from CNC machines. The recycled ethos, meanwhile, continues through the use of disposed-of paint samples and paste tables.
The unique relief compositions that emerge subtly experiment with both light and form, resulting in works rich with depth and pattern, while drawing comparisons to anything from the inner workings of industrial machinery to three-dimensional architectural models.
His work has been exhibited at such venues as London’s Modern Art Hire and Edinburgh’s Royal Scottish Academy, regularly purchased by collectors as far afield as Australia and America, and featured in such art publications as Black Collages Matter.
Describe your creative process.
As my artworks emerge from the discarded wood off-cuts of a CNC machine, I literally never know what is coming in terms of the shapes, sizes, forms or types of wood. Once I have them in front of me, I start to play around with the layers until I feel as if what is emerging is aesthetically interesting, exciting and often unusual. It is only then that I start to consider whether or not to paint, to oil or to leave them in their raw, honest state. It is a fun and playful process.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Geometric, unpredictable, hand-crafted.
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Victor Pasmore, Louise Nevelson, Josef Albers.
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
My mind!
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Imagination means nothing without doing.
Where do you go for inspiration?
Inspiration is literally everywhere.
1 Collection
Education
Kingston University
United Kingdom, 1999
Exhibitions
Todo Y Nada
2022
Post-It!
2022
I Didn't Lick It
2021
50 Vyner (London Design Festival)
2021
Royal Scottish Academy 195th Annual Exhibition
2021
No Word From Glue
2021
Education
Kingston University
United Kingdom, 1999
Exhibitions
Todo Y Nada
2022
Post-It!
2022
I Didn't Lick It
2021
50 Vyner (London Design Festival)
2021
Royal Scottish Academy 195th Annual Exhibition
2021
No Word From Glue
2021