You can learn how to draw and paint by yourself, but learning sculpting without outside help is simply unimaginable. Well, this is exactly what Steve Winterburn did, and rose to be counted among the top sculptors of the world. This self-taught sculptor always possessed an innate comprehension of engineering and design that enables him to create stunning sculptures of humans, birds, animals, and objects.
How Steve Winterburn Became a Self-Taught Sculptor?
It was the year 1994 when Steve got the inspiration to sculpt and he began learning the ropes to mold metal sculptures. However, at that time he had to rely on established foundries that delayed deliveries and altered end results of his creations frustrating him no end, so he set about to handle the finishing stages himself.
Steve obtained a diploma in bronze casting at The Yorkshire Craft Center, Bradford University, UK. This helped him acquire knowledge about ceramics and casting. Not only did he become an expert in creating ceramic molds from wax impressions, but also mastered casting, a closely guarded secret amongst the foundry men. Today, he possesses all the skills of different stages of sculpting that are traditionally handled by different people.
With his passion for sculpting growing by leaps and bounds, he needed a bigger space. So, in 2002, he shifted to Yorkshire, England, where his workshop was located right next to his house. He converted this workshop into a nine-room studio and a foundry. The spacious workshop gave him the opportunity to understand and master the entire process of bronze sculpting.
Steve’s mastery over sculpting gave him not only recognition in the art world, but also invitations to sculpt from the world’s leading brands and countries around the world. His works have been displayed in galleries, such as Halcyon Gallery, Royal Academy, Wildlife Arts Society, and Westminster Gallery. His work was also awarded ‘Best Sculpture’ by the Wildlife Art Society, London, UK.
Learning sculpting on your own is not that impossible.
The sculptures by Steve Winterburn are truly awe-inspiring. I wonder how he does it without any formal training, and how he manages to create unique sculptures with these un-commonable views. I’ve tried sculpting on my own but all that happened was a hole in the ground. Hopefully, one day, this kind of work enables him to cut down the foundry competition and provide his clients more satisfying than ever before.
See some of his creations below.
Steve Winterburn: