Creative in the Countryside: Elliot Channer
Today we’re introducing you to Elliot Channer, a wildlife sculptor and artist.
Eleanor: I’d love for you to start by telling us more about you and your business, who you are and what it is you do?
Elliot: I have been a wildlife sculptor for 4 years, exhibiting across the country with numerous galleries. I have now set about creating my own online gallery focusing solely on wildlife art. Avocet Fine Art represent some of the UK’s finest wildlife and equine artists and provides affordable, high quality originals, prints and sculpture.
Eleanor: Can you tell me about where you find your inspiration?
Elliot: Inspiration for my sculpture comes from the natural world: from British garden birds and animals to exotic birds of paradise. I gather all the visual information I can and create a metal armature onto which I add clay slowing allowing the form to develop.
Eleanor: I am also interested in knowing more about how you view creativity; is it something you can rely on every day, can you work at it, or do you have to wait for it to strike?
Elliot: I find creativity to be quite unpredictable. It can take hold and I will work non-stop throughout the day but, at other times, when it simply isn’t happening, I ensure everything is working well with Avocet: uploading new works; contacting artists and clients and keeping social media up to date.
Eleanor: Where do you work? What’s important about your work space?
Elliot: I work from my studio in Staffordshire, both for sculpting and working with Avocet. The space reflects my interest in art, displaying my work and other pieces I have collected - from reclaimed carved pieces to a Violet Astor print (one of the artists represented by Avocet.)
Eleanor: Can you tell me why nature and wildlife are important to you, and how they influence the work you do?
Elliot: I have been interested in wildlife from an early age and find nature hugely inspiring. I enjoy the challenge of translating the life and dynamism of animals into solid bronze. I spend many hours outdoors looking for inspiration for my next sculpture. Through Avocet I now have the pleasure of being involved with other artists who share my inspiration of the natural world.
Eleanor: And lastly, if someone reading your story were inspired to follow their own creative dream, what advice would you give them?
Elliot: My advice would be to go for it. It’s important to listen to people who have been in your situation, and to be patient.