Necole Schmitz

Necole studied painting at the College of Fine Arts, Boston University, before going on to complete a Master’s Degree in Fine Art specialising in sculpture at Chelsea College of Art, London.  She was then awarded a Foundry Fellowship there.  In addition to teaching and exhibiting throughout the UK, Necole works with other artists, museums and conservationists creating bespoke works in metal in partnership with Stephen Coles in their foundry, Coles Castings.

Describe your approach to teaching
As an artist, I am interested in the way materials and ideas interact through the making process.  When teaching, I hope to foster an atmosphere in the studio where students feel confident building their making skills as they explore the ideas and narratives that inspire them.  I believe the making process, with all its mistakes and efforts towards proficiency, is in itself an important tool that gives one time and focus to work through ideas and find new creative paths.

What inspires your own work?
As someone who came to sculpture after a decade of painting, I am interested in the alchemy, materiality and physicality of the work and how objects can hold deep symbolism and define rituals and narratives that are woven through our daily lives.  Though my work is mostly sculptural, I find great inspiration in lyrical disciplines such as dance and music as well as the natural environment.