Published: December 19, 2023 | Updated: 19th December 2023
Andy Hopper struggled with traditional education – but over the years it’s proven no barrier to international artistic acclaim.
Based in Parley, Christchurch, Andy has built up three decades’ experience working with metals, specialising in hot forging and forming stainless steel and bronze.
Now he’s turned those talents to his latest sculpture, Aqueous II, described as an ‘homage to water’.
“Water is the only element which can be all three states of matter – liquid, solid and gas”, Andy explained.
“It’s unique and the lifeblood of our beautiful Earth.”
Andy designed Aqueous II for Portfield School in his hometown, which provides specialist education to autistic students aged between 4 and 19.
It’s operated by the charity Autism Unlimited.
“I was extremely honoured when I was asked to create a sculpture for the students of Portfield School”, said Andy.
“It’s been said that I may be neuro diverse. I don’t know if I am. I’ve never pursued a diagnosis.
“But it would perhaps explain the different way I look at and perceive the world.”
Andy was a creative child and knew from a young age he wanted to be an artist.
The River Flows, winner of the WCB Tonypandy Cup in 2014.
Though formal education didn’t suit him, he ended up pursuing a career in blacksmithing after finding out his grandfather was also a Master Blacksmith.
“My fascination with metal started at the age of four, when I asked my mother to buy me the largest chromed ball-bearing she could find.
“I later discovered that the forging process fascinated me. The movement and manipulation of hot metal becomes poetry when approached correctly.
“I use an armoury of equipment to heat and manipulate this very stubborn material, and I engage and emotionally connect with every step of the process and the finished piece.
“It may sound strange, but I see form as an energetic sound. I feel the work as I move forwards with it.
“It’s a form of meditation for me, and I believe it gives me a direct connection with The Creator.”
Siún Cranny, CEO of Autism Unlimited, added: “Andy is an inspiration whose story resonates with the journeys of many of our students at Portfield School.
“His mission is to create artworks that elevate our experience, are physically beautiful and will stand the test of time – and he has certainly achieved that in Aqueous II.
“Many of our students are fascinated by the play of light, the feel and the natural sounds of the sculpture.
“We look forward to their enjoying what is a unique sensory experience for years to come.”
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