Wonderful job, wonderful people. . .
How do you describe yourself?
I’ve been the senior manager at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre for the past two years and it’s a wonderful job! So that’s what I do here in Knaresborough. I studied sculpture at Goldsmiths School of Art, London University, in the mid 1980s. I continue my work as an artist exhibiting both sculpturesand drawings widely in the UK and Europe.
My work is represented in major collections including The Imperial War Museum London, the Henry Moore Instituteand Leeds City Art Gallery. I’m also a husband and a father of five.
Describe a typical working day?
I get up at 6am, reflect on things and prepare for the day ahead. I wrestle with packed lunches and then make poached eggs appear for any child who wants one. Once at Henshaws I’m doing one of a hundred things: making sure that the centre runs smoothly and is safe for those who use and visit us, arranging the events programme that includes our fantastic folk music programme and exhibitions.
I particularly enjoy showing people around the centre and introducing them to the wonderful people who use it during the week. I spend a lot of time making sure more money goes in the till rather than out of it. Back home, I may wrestle some more usually about table manners, toilet seats and bedtime. I draw obsessively. At present I’m working with ideas from the things I hear people say (a young lad said to me the other night, “Don’t talk to me like you know me” I thought hmmm), I’m exploring some different ways of thinking and asking questions such as, “do objects contain absent people?” And then I go to bed and try to sleep…
What part of your work do you find most satisfying?
I love to witness people who find the normal things in life sometimes a bit difficult, make fantastic works of art.
Who or what has been a major influence?
As a teenager, I helped the MP Tony Benn with constituency work, which gave me my political head. Bob Dylan started to stalk me when I was 14 and he’s still camping in my garden.
At art school, I was taught in particular by two major artists, Carl Plackman and Richard Wentworth, both have had very distinctive influences on my thinking and work. My faith is a vital part of who I am; it gives me my reference points. The artist and poet Bruce Bateman, who has given me far too many things to mention. My wife Susanna, who believes in me.
Tell us what you think about the arts scene in Knaresborough?
To be honest apart from the Feva Festival, which is excellent, I don’t think Knaresborough does itself justice.
I’m hoping that the Renaissance Knaresborough Arts Group, of which I’m a member, will start to address this and help to turn things around.
I know that there are a lot of people making some interesting work here, but mostly behind closed doors. We at Henshaws, are putting our weight behind getting the town back on to its art feet.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Alive and still able to hold a pint glass with one hand.
What are the positives about living and/or working in Knaresborough?
It’s a very attractive town. The people I meet are very welcoming.
The view along the river and the viaduct is inspirational. You can get a very good pint of beer in Knaresborough. I love working at Henshaws.
Likes and dislikes?
I like honesty and straightforwardness, but I don’t like pretension. I like Bob Dylan but I don’t like Phil Collins. I like spam, but I don’t like smoked salmon. I like watching Morris dancing, but I don’t like my children making fun of me.
Are you an optimist or a pessimist?
Rob Bells says, “What you look for, you will find. If you want to be a cynic there’s plenty to be cynical about. If you want to be a sceptic, there’s plenty to be sceptical about. If you want to be a pessimist, there’s plenty to be pessimistic about. What you look for, you will find”.
How can people find out more about you and your work?
You can visit me at work at Henshaws, where you will always be made very welcome. You’ll find lots of information, news and events by paying a visit to our website www.henshawsacc.org.uk
I also have a website for my own artwork www.phill-hopkins.co.uk where you’ll find lots of examples of work and more information about my art practise.
If you had three wishes as a creative individual working here, what would they be?
1.That ‘Renaissance’ will really mean renaissance.
2.That the wonderful people of Knaresborough would realise that there is an excellent arts centre right on their doorstep, Henshaws.
3.That there wouldn’t be a fear of quality and great art.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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