gill parker
Mediums Used
`Gill Parker is one of the most acclaimed animal sculptors of our time.`
It was whilst studying art at South Wilts Grammar School in Salisbury that Gill was first introduced to sculpture. Choosing not to go into further education, she tried several career paths, before taking up sculpture again.
In May 1983 Gill took her first bronzes to London where they were bought by Garrards and Asprey. Early support and encouragement from the Sladmore Gallery led to her first one women show in November 1984.
Since then she has become a leader in the field of equine and wildlife sculpture. With many major commissions to her name including the life size bronze Motivator at Ascot Racecourse. Gill’s sculpture is eagerly sought by art collectors around the world and is in many public and private collections.
Gill lives and works in a beautiful part of rural Gloucestershire, along with a various assortment of animals. Gill also breeds and shows American Quarter Horses with which she has won numerous European and National championships.
“I have always found animals, especially horses, the most beautiful and fascinating of creatures. In fact all things natural have always been close to my heart. I discovered sculpture whilst still at school but working in bronze was only a dream until 1983. Since then I have revelled in the freedom and vibrancy bronze gives me. Executed well this cold hard material can become warm and alive, capturing mood and movement like nothing else.”
“Although probably best known for my horse studies, I don’t see myself as purely an equestrian artist. I enjoy working on many different subjects, although they would be primarily of the animal kingdom. I do not wish to portray animals as characters or in an overly sentimental way, but with all the dignity and beauty they deserve.
‘It may sound like a cliché but my greatest inspiration really does come from the natural world.
From an early age I remember studying animals; their interaction, movement and spirit. I didn’t know it at the time but the knowledge I gained then has left me with far greater advantages than any formal training.
The first bronzes I saw were those of the ‘Animalier’ school and Remington. Although I admire them, and some of my earlier works were probably influenced by the animaliers in particular, I quickly tried to develop my own style, and made a conscious effort to not look at other artist’s sculpture. I start with a lump of shapeless clay and an idea and then work it until it starts to take on a life, feel and individual beauty of an animal. The challenge is to take an animal and find the way to portray its particular feel, character and movement: to try and get beneath the surface and find its spirit. For me the forms and shapes of the natural world cannot be improved upon and I never tire of the subject.
Sculptures by gill parker
Credentials
Qualifications
A sculptress of Global importance and certainly one of the best on this site.
Exhibitions
yes
Awards
1992 Presidents Medal
1992 British Sporting Art Trust Award for Sculpture
1997 British Sporting Art Trust Award for Sculpture
1999 British Sporting Art Trust Award for Sculpture
2005 British Sporting Art Trust Award for SculptureGill is a member of the Society of Equestrian Artists
Publications
Gill Parker first developed her love of sculpture while at school in Salisbury where she studied A level art. Having followed several differenet career paths, her love of art, particularly sculpture, drew her back to sculpting. Although initially sculpting was only a hobby, she became convinced of her ability to didicate herself completely to the work when, in May of 1983, Gill took her first bronzes to London where they were purchased by Garrards and Aspreys. Her first one-woman show was at the Sladmore Gallery in November 1984. The Sladmore, and in particular it owner Edward Horswell, supported and encouraged Gill over the next few years, holding regular exhibitions of her new work and including examples in their International Exhibitions.
“Gill is one of the most talented artists I have ever encountered. Her love of the animal - and the essence, character and soul of whatever she touches - comes through. I was very lucky that one of her first commissions was to do a small sculpture of Mrs Moss.”
— Henrietta, Duchess of Bedford
“Gill Parker is an artist whose work I have admired for some considerable time. Her innovative style and sense of anatomical form is quite extraordinary. She manages to combine exceptional accuracy with dramatic interpretation to provide a captivating mix that is fast becoming recognisable to International collectors.
In recent years she has undertaken substantial commissions allowing little opportunity for exhibiting commercially.”
— Anthony Andrews
“Gill is undoubtedly the most talented sculptors of her generation, that we have come across. She manages somehow not only to give her work a great sense of movement, but also make them wonderfully tactile.
Of the various pieces we have been fortunate enough to have collected as a family, from a life size Galapagos tortoise to more regular size pieces, I can truly say that each time I stop and really look at them again, I enjoy them even more.”
— Duke of Bedford
