Anja Hessler

1. Tell us about your personal and educational background. When and why did you make the move to the United Kingdom?

I was born and raised in Germany. My journey into the world of art and design began at a very young age when I started experimenting with various artistic processes and mediums. During my academic years, I pursued a formal education in becoming a display artist, which exposed me to a diverse range of crafts and design skills. This period allowed me to delve into the intricacies of theatrical stage-based arrangements, with a particular focus on sculpting forms in space and understanding how to captivate and engage viewers. Upon completing my college education in 1995, I decided to relocate to London to pursue my dream of a career in theatre stage design.

2. How did you get into mobile/sculpture?

My artistic intention is to transcend the conventional boundaries of sculpture, providing a sensorial experience that engages both visual and tactile senses. With meticulous attention to materials, shapes and textures, my primary goal is to craft visually mesmerizing pieces that convey a graceful sense of motion. By carefully considering the balance and proportions of my sculptures, I aim to orchestrate an intricate interplay of forms that evokes a sense of wonder and invite the viewer into a realm where art, design and the natural world coexist in harmony.

3. What are some of your inspirations?

My artistic journey has its roots deeply embedded in Minimalism and the Modernist movement, particularly the Bauhaus philosophy, which emphasizes the fusion of art, design and craftsmanship. I am captivated by the clean lines, symmetry and spatial relationships found in architectural design. Inspired by both organic and geometric forms, my aim is to strike a harmonious balance between precision and spontaneity in my work.

Each sculpture undergoes meticulous construction, with careful consideration given to the arrangement and alignment of its components. Yet, I also embrace the element of chance, allowing the mobiles to take on a life of their own as they interact with their environment.

4. What other artists do you admire?

I have immense admiration for numerous artists who have significantly influenced my creative journey. To provide a few notable examples: Joan Miro’s playful and surreal approach has inspired my exploration of form and imagination. The kinetic sculptures of both Alexander Calder and Takis are a huge influence and drove my fascination to experiment with dynamic forms that evolve and change over time. I also draw ongoing inspiration from Barbara Hepworth’s mastery of sculpting organic shapes and her profound connection to the natural world.

5. Describe the technical and emotional processes that go into making a piece?

My artistic process is a harmonious blend of technical precision, emotional connection and a deliberate exploration of time’s effects on materials. I use traditional techniques to meticulously shape every element by hand, forging a deep connection with the materials.

Working with metal is a personal and expressive experience for me. I love the art of manipulation, oxidizing the metal to reveal signs of aging. This deliberate technique adds depth, texture and character to the sculptures, imbuing them with a sense of time and narrative. It’s a process that elevates each piece, making it genuinely distinct and meaningful.

6. Which galleries support you? Where can readers find your work?

My sculptures have been prominently featured in prestigious exhibitions and art fairs across Europe and have found homes in various esteemed private collections across the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States. A curated selection of my work is available on Saatchi Art (https://www.saatchiart.com/ formplusgestalt). I am also represented through Future Icons, a renowned U.K.-based agency specializing in showcasing exceptional artist and designers.

To explore my work and portfolio, visit my official website. https://www.formplusgestalt.com

7. Please share some goals/plans for the near future.

In the near future, my focus is on further expanding my artistic practice globally, with a specific emphasis on the creation of large-scale sculptures and installations. I am also excited about new commissions, crafting unique and personalized pieces tailored to individual spaces.