Capturing the strength within

Trained in London and Florence, young figurative sculptor Poppy Field is creating outstanding works from her Much Hadham studio that reflect our age

- Sandra Smith

Walking into the Much Hadham studio of sculptor Poppy Field (yes, that is her real name), is to encounter a buzz of energy. At her ground floor hub in the Warren Park Heritage and Craft Centre, skylights and a north facing window let in the perfect quality of light, maquettes fill shelves and a self-made ceramic heater – for the comfort of life models – all indicate a professional environment. Which is what you might expect given that this 26-year-old is now producing work for the largest of audiences, the public.

‘I’ve always worked with my hands,’ says the Florence Academy of Art trained figurative artist. ‘When my father, who is a surgeon, had a summer holiday I’d help him with projects such as building treehouses, so I’m comfortable thinking in three dimensions. Both my parents (her mother is a teacher) come home every day feeling pleased with what they do with their time, how they contribute to society. I used to wonder how I could do that with art. Now my driving force is to put sculptures into public places.’

‘In Florence there are rippling torsos, peachy buttocks and strong thighs everywhere’

Public works of art, Poppy continues, are time capsules of events, of ideologies, and therefore own an important place in society. Time spent watching how others interact with them in public spaces is, for her, both a source of fascination and inspiration.

‘Monuments are there if you want or need them, but they don’t demand anything,’ she says.