Our Head of Art Luke Baker recently sat down with Little Van Gogh artist Wendy Hodges, where they discussed the influence of architectural design in her work and the history and evolution that is woven into the spaces that we inhabit.

Where do you find inspiration?

Buildings and structures of all kinds, their design and architecture, the space contained within, as well as the surrounding areas. The history and evolution of these places; the tapestry, the ‘urban fabric’.

How has your practice changed over time?

During my recent BA (Fine Art) course at the University of Chichester, my interests focused on the notions of boundaries, power and control; how these boundaries exist in buildings; and how those structures are designed to influence our movements and our senses.

I am currently at the University of Portsmouth studying for an MA in Architecture (Spatial Design Practice). This is nurturing and enhancing my interest in building design, along with our use and understanding of spaces.

In designing these spaces, we need to recognise our natural and instinctive connection to nature. These areas are not static; everything is constantly undergoing transformation  – and we are enmeshed in these interwoven webs of materials, all affecting each other.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

Hurvin Anderson – for his exploration of grilles acting simultaneously as messages of protection and defence; the way he shows that ‘all spaces are connected arenas of action, meaning and possibility’.

Jeremy Gardiner – for his interest in ‘the cultural footprints left over the centuries by the people who inhabited an area’.

David Tremlett – for the way he plays off the volume of architectural space with his paintings of geometric shapes applied directly to the walls of buildings.

‘Huf Haus’

‘Gunwharf Quays’

What is the purpose or goal of your work?

To convey to others my understanding and fascination with space, structures, materials and light – and how we use these elements to attain a world in which we would wish to live.

Does creating art help in any other areas of your life?

In my MA in Architecture (Spatial Design Practice) course – my ‘creation of art’, in all forms, is a natural extension of my ideas, thoughts and feelings relating to our use of space.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

From one of my tutors on the BA Fine Art Degree course: ‘You will learn a lot from us – but you will also learn a lot from each other.’ In other words, communicate with each other constantly and share your ideas all the time.