Congratulations to sculptor Eric Vanel for placing as a finalist in the 5th Edition! The 5th Edition was the first time we ever accepted sculptural work making Vanel our first-ever finalist in the sculpture category.

Who are you?

I am 51. I am married and have two children, aged 22 and 20. I am graduated from the Université de Technologie de Compiègne (France), where I studied mechanical engineering and Industrial Design. I worked for 25 years in the automotive industry. I always have been interested in art, with a preference for classical and contemporary fantastic art. I never formally studied art, but at that time, as a non-professional artist, I did collaborate with several game publishers, producing various illustrations and maps.

What inspired you to begin utilizing sculpture as a medium?

In 2008, I discovered sculpture, modeling characters coming from pop art and fantasy culture. But it is in 2013-2015, by interacting with several professional sculptors, that sculpting took a new dimension in my life. It became a real passion, which drove me into pathways and adventures constantly renewed. More recently, working with live models enabled me to get aware of how interactive the creation process can as well be. In 2021, I have decided to become a professional sculptor.

What drew you to explore the human figure as a subject matter?

I am fascinated by the language of the human body, of the face, by the emotion a gesture can produce. Inspiration often starts with the raw emotion from photography, and illustration. From this two-dimensional material, I try to compose, to use this language to tell a story, in three dimensions. Working with live models is as well a way to show all the diversity of the beauty of the human body.

In my compositions, balance is key but unbalance as well. The initial stage of the process will give the strength as well the sensuality of the sculpture. It took me years to take the time to find the proper balance, before rushing into the details. It is now the stage that I prefer, the very “moment of creation” when the sculpture becomes an attitude.

Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind "Blood Ties"?

There is a lot of emotion for me in this artwork. This is the portrait of my father. The "Blood Ties" are between the sculptor and his seriously ill father portraying the need to keep a strong trace of this father-son link. My father posed for me and it was a very special moment between us.

Can you explain why you choose sculpture as a medium for your work and voice as opposed to others?

I am not sure I can explain. I am not sure it was a "choice". It became obvious at a time I had to express myself through sculptures.

Have you experimented with other mediums? If so, which ones and how?

As said above, I made a lot of drawings in the past, using a mix of inks, markers, and acrylic paint. I tried a very few time oil painting.

Can you talk about your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your sculptures?

I am very lucky to have met great sculptors who have taught me what I consider the most important in figurative sculpting: Observe, observe again, observe more and then take decisions. This is so true!

Can you discuss your biggest success since starting your artistic journey?

What I consider so far my biggest success is the recognition by my peers. For someone like me who started to sculpt very late, recognition by fellow sculptors, already established, is very important. It gives self-confidence that artists are often lacking. I have always looked for feedback from other sculptors by meeting them, by learning from them, by participating in exhibitions curated by them.

What projects are you working on currently? Can you discuss them?

I am currently working on an ambitious project called "Cernunnos' Greeting". This is a new half life-size figure of the Celtic god Cernunnos. It will be cast in bronze in the coming months.

Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists/photographers, what is your advice?

Always learn. Always look for the best teachers. Listen to them. Listen to them more.

To view more of Eric Vanel’s work

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