The Learning Curve: Sandra Berzins
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I am originally from Melbourne and now have lived in Sydney for the past 30 years. I was born to Latvian parents and attended and learned all things Latvian when growing up, like Saturday School, Dancing, Choir and Latvian language. I find Latvians are creative people and encouraged to be artistic in some form.
I always loved making things and working with my hands. Growing up, while attending school I always loved attending my art classes, I even made sure I continued art in High School. For Year 11 & 12 I attended schools where I could just focus on all thing’s art – painting, drawing, sculpting. I was encouraged with my practical art.
I studied Industrial Design and received a Bachelor of Arts. Part of my course journey, I learnt to solder, weld, woodwork and many foundry castings processes.
After I moved to Sydney, I began my jewellery making journey, I found this to be my extension to my Industrial design and could use some skills learnt towards my jewellery making. My jewellery designing and making, along with drawing and painting has become my creative escapism, while working full-time as a Studio/Operations manager.
How long have been attending classes at Tom Bass Sculpture Studio School?
I commenced Term 4 in 2016.
What do you do when you’re not sculpting?
I have worked for many years as a Studio/Operations Manager for a Brand Digital Design company and I have a side business that I am trying to grow which is Jewellery Design – I promote and sell my pieces at either artisan markets or online stores under the banner of Renate Jewellery. If you find me, you will see many of my pieces are organic and sculptural like. You can find me online at www.renatejewellery.com.au.
What made you take up sculpting?
I love the escapism you get when creating something. I have been creative since I was a child, always making things. In primary school in my art class, I sculpted a skull/head from clay and the teacher must have been impressed, as I was asked to join a grade 6 one day excursion to the Victorian Art Gallery for a sculpture workshop – I must have been grade 3 or 4.
After moving to Sydney, I attended drawing, painting and jewellery classes and became a member of the Art Gallery where I was re-introduced to sculpting by attending several sculpting workshops. One that I really enjoyed was with Margo Gabsi and in 2009 enrolled and attended her 2-day workshop the human form as means of expression – where in clay, I built a life like hollow bodice sculpture, never was fired but treasure still to this day. After that I searched sculpture schools and many times Tom Bass Sculpture school came up in my search but never had the courage to attend until 2016 (that was 7 years later).
What is your favourite sculpture medium to work in?
I enjoy working in clay, I like how you can form and shape easily, taking away but adding.
I am currently exploring carving and have done several workshops; soap stone, alabaster and limestone, not sure which is my favourite, each have their own but similar techniques and challenges. I have limestone off cuts at home, so will keep perfecting that for a little while longer.
Tell us about what you’re working on currently…
I have 3 pieces on the go at the moment in limestone, but they form one sculpture – 3 birds. Love the shapes but challenged by the shape/proportion of the limestone blocks
What inspires your practice?
I love form, find the simplest shape striking, but challenging to sculpt. I look for stylish shapes be it within nature, animal or human form.
Who are your favourite artists / sculptors?
I don’t think I have a favourite sculptor but do love they works by Henry Moore. Michelangelo’s David I was in awe when I saw this in 1989. Fascinated by the Terracotta Warriors when exhibited in Sydney.