Sandie Henderson: I have always loved cats, horses and art, and my life seems to have been inextricably linked to these three subjects. Bronze sculpture titled “Cavallo,” showcasing elegant equine form with a patina finish, measuring 51cm in height, 54cm in width, and 27cm in depth.
I was lucky enough to grow up with both cats and horses, and have many happy childhood memories of making life drawings of them. I didn’t come from an artistic family but my father kept me well supplied with drawing materials and I developed useful drawing skills. Back in those early days sculpture was not yet on my radar, but I was always a fairly hands-on practical person who enjoyed making things. These earlier “making” experiences were valuable when years later I turned to sculpture.
After leaving school I worked as a draughtswoman in engineering and architectural drawing offices, before training for a British Horse Society teaching qualification. For over twenty years I enjoyed a career in the horse industry, teaching riding, training, breeding and judging horses. I’ve also been closely involved with feral cat welfare for many years.
EquuStyle: Was there a specific horse, experience, or image that ignited your passion for sculpting horses?
Sandie Henderson: Two tragic horse related events in 1997/98 formed the catalyst for change that catapulted me into the art world and initiated my journey into sculpture.
“Bacchus” was a charming and incredibly handsome young home-bred colt (Thoroughbred x Cleveland Bay). He was full of joyful exuberance and had amazing presence. He broke his neck in a distressing freak accident at liberty in the paddock. Nothing could be done to save him and I was heartbroken.
Two months later my little cat “Kit” was fatally injured by a young pony that was with me for schooling. Kit was an orphan kitten who lost his feral cat mum when he was only a few days old. I hand reared him and he grew into an amazingly happy and healthy young cat. We shared an incredibly close bond and he was my constant companion. I was devastated by his loss, especially so soon after loosing Bacchus, and I found it impossible to continue with my then lifestyle. I felt the need to step back from the horse industry and immerse myself in the healing power of art.
The idea of making a sculpture for Kit’s grave became important to me and somehow I knew that I could do it. Never having been a particularly self-confident person and with no previous experience of sculpture, this amount of confidence was surprising and out of character. I enrolled on a short part time sculpture course at a local college, and was taught the basic carving skills that enabled me to carve my Kit sculpture in aerated block. The sculpture has now become a treasured memento of Kit.
I found myself incredibly drawn to sculpture and decided to study the subject in more depth, initially by completing a Foundation Course in Art & Design, followed by a Fine Art Degree Course, specialising in sculpture. Art in general proved to be a wonderful therapy, effectively helping me through a difficult time in my life, and in sculpture I felt I had found my calling.
Horses have always played a major role in my life so after graduation in 2002 it seemed only natural to make Equine Sculpture the primary focus of my art practice.
Read more of the article at https://www.equustyle.com/post/the-creative-journey-of-sculptor-sandie-henderson-in-contemporary-equine-art
