Today we’d like to introduce you to Adesina Cooper.
Adesina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I found my passion in sculpture when I was 15 years old in an elective art class – “Ceramics”. Now I am 27 and I’ve been sculpting ever since.
I remember a transitional moment where I wasn’t sure what I’d major in at college and furthermore what career I’d pursue. At this point, I had been sculpting for two years. Some teachers advised me not to go to college altogether because I was undecided. When I confided in my ceramic teacher about my doubts, she went home and printed a list of careers for sculpture artists. She handed me the sheet, and said “now you have no excuse”. I don’t remember any careers from that paper, but that moment changed my life. Sometimes it only takes one person to believe in you.
Now I am 27 and I’ve been sculpting ever since. I’ve earned two degrees, Bachelor of Arts in Ceramics & Psychology. I’ve displayed my artwork in galleries across California and out of the state. In 2019, I opened Hew Figure Studio, a creative house inspired by the human body. Here, I teach Life Sculpting ceramic classes on Sundays to celebrate the natural body through sculpture.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As an artist, I’m continuously learning more about myself, the world and how to operate as an entrepreneur. Here are the two greatest lessons I’ve learned so far.
1. Trust yourself
2. Creating art is not selfish
All of the struggles and roadblocks I’ve faced have led back to these two lessons. It’s like playing the trust game over and over with yourself.
Please tell us more about your art.
I enjoy highlighting, honoring and sometimes questioning our natural human instincts with sculpture art. My work reflects the intersection between our inner thoughts and physical actions- capturing a whole story in a moment. I’m inspired by the lengths we go through to share or hide our true selves.
I am available to create custom pieces, home decor and public art installations.
I am known for creating life-like figures from clay. I specialize in hands and detailed relief carving. I pride myself in carving everything from “scratch” rather than using molds.
After sculpting for over ten years, I decided to share my passion as a service. I host monthly Sunday sessions at Hew Figure Studio. During these sessions, we focus on celebrating the natural, nude body while recreating it in clay. We provide the opportunity to learn from a live muse, as we train our eyes to accept and look at the human body as it is. We pride ourselves in being able to provide a safe, mature and intentional space to learn about the body.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For years I felt like a “fake artist” as I juggled working a 9-5 job while creating art throughout the night. Now, as a full-time artist- I couldn’t be more thankful that I get the opportunity to create everyday. A successful day is a creative day.
Pricing:
- Consultation for a custom sculpture – $50
Contact Info:
- Website: Adesina.co
- Email: Adesina.co@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Adesin.a
- Other: www.Hewfigure.com
Image Credit:
Roberto Hernandez
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