Mouse

"It's really special to me to work with wood and there's a family tie to it, it feels quite privileged to be able to sculpt wood because it's just got so much history"

Artistic Approach and Process

Mouse is a Bradford-based artist whose creative journey has been deeply shaped by his family heritage and regional ties. Specialising in wood sculpture, Mouse draws inspiration from the natural material's long-lasting properties and historical significance. "Before you even start telling a story of your art, the material already has a story," he says, emphasising how each piece of wood carries its own history before being transformed into art. The process of working with wood is highly personal for him, as his grandparents were wood carvers, making it feel "quite privileged to be able to sculpt wood because it’s just got so much history." His work often touches on themes of consciousness and infinity, concepts that offer artistic freedom due to their abstract nature. Mouse is known for being "conceptually driven," frequently incorporating infinity signs into his sculptures and using found materials to remain resourceful.

Artistic Background

Mouse comes from a third-generation family of artists in Bradford, with a background steeped in creativity. Inspired by his mother and grandfather, he grew up surrounded by art, which naturally influenced his journey. Although he initially pursued music, he returned to visual arts in 2021, finding solace and mental well-being in painting. "Art has been so good for my mental health, I’d encourage anyone to give it a go," he shares. His transition from painting to sculpture came as a way to be more financially resourceful while also connecting deeply with his family's artistic legacy. This transition marked the beginning of an uninterrupted period of artistic creation, with Mouse continuously working on various projects.

Inspirations and Themes

The themes Mouse explores in his art often revolve around consciousness and infinity. He is particularly drawn to the idea of consciousness because of the creative liberty it allows; there is no official visual representation of what consciousness looks like, allowing him to explore it in various abstract forms. His fascination with infinity is often reflected in his work through the use of infinity symbols, a motif that resonates with the endless possibilities and cyclical nature of life. For Mouse, wood as a medium adds another layer to these themes, embodying a sense of timelessness. "It’s really special to me to work with wood, and there’s a family tie to it," he explains. "It feels quite privileged to be able to sculpt wood because it’s just got so much history." His art not only reflects personal and conceptual themes but also embraces the material's inherent story.

Emerging Artist Awards Experience and Working with SCAF

Mouse's involvement in the 2024 Emerging Artist Awards marked a significant step in his artistic career. He discovered the awards through a friend and saw it as an opportunity to bring to life a sculpture he had envisioned, centred around the concept of infinity. "The Emerging Artist Awards were a really nice challenge, and I just enjoyed the entire experience. I’d do it tomorrow again if I could," he recalls. The experience provided him with valuable exposure and recognition, particularly within Yorkshire's art community. He describes being associated with the Scott Creative Arts Foundation as humbling, noting, "In terms of how well recognised SCAF are, especially in Yorkshire in the art community, people know who they are, and most people will know of an artist that has been part of the Emerging Artist Awards."

Post Emerging Artist Awards

Since participating in the Emerging Artist Awards, Mouse has continued to expand his creative practice. He is currently working on a commission piece for Scarborough Museum, set for exhibition next year. His involvement in the Leeds art scene has remained strong, and he continues to seek out opportunities to grow as an artist. The experience with SCAF has not only increased his visibility but also opened doors for larger-scale projects. He is committed to further developing his skills and building upon the foundation laid by his participation in the awards.

Future Aspirations and Emerging Ambitions

Looking ahead, Mouse has ambitious plans for his career. He hopes to work with more museums and undertake large-scale sculpture commissions. His connection to Yorkshire remains an essential part of his vision, and he aspires to help grow the art scene in Bradford, drawing on the resourcefulness he developed growing up in the area. "I love being in a metropolitan area with all of the galleries and art link-ups, but I’m also five minutes away from the Bradford Moors, so I can go and be in the middle of the countryside and just sit in peace," he reflects. Ultimately, Mouse’s future aspirations involve continuing to challenge himself creatively while contributing to the cultural landscape of his home region.

"I just enjoyed the entire experience, i’d do it tomorrow again if I could."

Mouse

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