Blog
SHARE THE ARTICLE
You graduated as a 2D illustrator and moved to a self-taught 3D sculptor. Do you think that an education is needed to become an artist to master, for example, certain technique or strong motivation and hard work would be enough?
I think all sorts of paths could lead someone to become a very accomplished artist. I can’t say my time at art school was a good thing for me. I was a bit of a mess, and my tutors considered me a lost cause early on. I became pretty disenfranchised and hardly showed up. I probably did about 3 life drawing classes and a couple of print classes.
The 6 years of my life after finishing my degree were very unstable. I wasn’t really able to make much artwork other than keeping sketchbooks. I was traveling from place to place a lot and working on farms. I eventually started whittling in my spare time, which was the start of my learning sculpture. That’s really the time I started to grow as an artist.
Meeting my partner was a big turning point for me too. She really supported what I was doing and loved my art. That was kind of a new thing for me, and things really blossomed from there.
As much as my art education wasn’t something I found helpful — and I feel like I got a lot more from learning by myself — I haven’t been put off seeking formal education. I’d really love to study sculpture.
For Harper, this artistic expression is a means of communicating his appreciation of femininity and challenging traditional norms. It is not about drag or performance; instead, he communicates through the act of making art. His passion stems from a longing to see Black figures occupy leading roles rather than being relegated to supporting characters. Growing up, he witnessed the success of his late grandfather, Paul Wynter, a two-time Mr. Universe, yet yearned for him to assume more prominent positions rather than the often assigned “helper” roles.
PJ Harper’s artistic journey exemplifies a celebration of Blackness and a powerful reimagining of traditional narratives. Through his sculptures and drawings, he reshapes perceptions, inspiring viewers to recognize and appreciate the strength and beauty inherent in Black individuals. With each creation, he sparks a conversation that transcends boundaries and connects people through the shared admiration for the divine qualities present in his art.
My close friend is an artist who works allot with felt. Even if she has been doing it since years and has acquired a certain technique, her hands are quite damaged, it’s a hard labor. What about you? How challenging it is to create huge sculptures and how much time would it take you to create one, averagely?
I used to work as a farm labourer, then as a construction worker, roofer, and carpenter, so those jobs were a bit rough on my hands too. The needle-felting of a big sculpture is extremely repetitive, but it’s not as high impact as some repetitive jobs I’ve had.
Plus, now I can take a break whenever I like, which helps. My shoulder does get sore sometimes though. The biggest felt sculpture took me about 8 months to complete, but I was mainly just working evenings and weekends on it.
When you describe the state of half-awaken/ half-dreaming in which some shapes and ideas come to you for your work, the method used by the surrealists comes to my mind. However, even if the process is similar, the outcome, to my opinion, is very different: I would not, if I may, identify your art as surrealistic. How did you discover this method, did you elaborate it or adopt from the above-mentioned art movement?
Recently we have been talking allot about the rise of AI and the danger that many jobs can disappear as replaced by it (like us, the journalists)). What do you thing about this virtual world in regards with the art? Don’t you think that sooner or later the physical art objects will become obsolete?
In one of your interviews you mentioned that one of the biggest challenges for you as an artist was to monetise your art but that thanks to your partner and her support, you managed to change slightly the strategy and now it’s getting much better. Can you share with our audience, especially those creatives who are at the beginning of their journey, some tips of success as, probably, they are some algorithms or strategies to follow?
I found only one work of yours, ‘The Revelation’, which can be considered as politically engaged. What did inspire you to create it and have you made any other objects which can be interpreted with a message?
Where are your with your project to open an open air park with your sculpture in Italy?
What are your creatives plans for the upcoming summer?
COMMENT
LEAVE A COMMENT
Actually, this article could
be in your email
Featured materials from FOXYLAB MAGAZINE
are available in our newsletters.
Subscribe and get a dose of inspiration!
SHARE THE ARTICLE
more articles
Since few seasons we have been assisting the triumphal comeback of denim. Behind this fashion trend there is mainly one man, The Perfect Designer of the Year according to Katie Granthe, Glenn Martens.
This article is about his artistic path, friendship with Andy Warhol, his relationship with Madonna, the tragic addition to the “27 Club” and his current relevance to the NFT.
Stress as a trigger to the emergence of the surrealistic digital collages. Spanish couple co creates art as a way to survive.
New York’s Gilder Center of American Museum of Natural History is now open. Stunning architectural wonders, fresh exhibitions, and immersive encounters…
Step into the world of Kachorovska’s Cherilyn, where unique enhancements combine style and comfort effortlessly…
want to share your story
with the world?
We're open to collaborating with creative and talented individuals like you. Leave us your email below, and let's connect for interviews, articles, and more.
don’t miss!
New drop
foxylab ny x Edward Acosta
New drop FXLB x Edward Acosta
A thin edge of seduction and the consumerism fetish is thoroughly blurred in Acosta’s art in the use of both light, and dark tones. Bold lines serve as a fashionable juxtaposition of a peaceful dream-like state and a vivid color, representing action and presence in the moment.
READ MORE ARTICLES
Since few seasons we have been assisting the triumphal comeback of denim. Behind this fashion trend there is mainly one man, The Perfect Designer of the Year according to Katie Granthe, Glenn Martens.
This article is about his artistic path, friendship with Andy Warhol, his relationship with Madonna, the tragic addition to the “27 Club” and his current relevance to the NFT.
Stress as a trigger to the emergence of the surrealistic digital collages. Spanish couple co creates art as a way to survive.
New York’s Gilder Center of American Museum of Natural History is now open. Stunning architectural wonders, fresh exhibitions, and immersive encounters…
Step into the world of Kachorovska’s Cherilyn, where unique enhancements combine style and comfort effortlessly…