British Sculptor Artist: Stephen Henderson

Stephen Henderson was born in Essex. He is the fourth generation of his family to live by the marshes surrounded by the source of inspiration for his carvings of shoreline birds and fish.

Stephen Henderson studied boat-building in 1978. He then became a self -employed sign-maker and maker of bespoke furniture for several years. In 1992 Stephen met sculptor Guy Taplin which renewed his interest in carving birds, particularly shorebirds and wildfowl.

Stephen Henderson is a highly skilled woodcarver. He has had a lifelong experience of working with wood. He comes from a family of artists and craftsmen and his art work carries on the traditions of the Arts and Crafts movement started by his forbears Vanessa and Quentin Bell. His art work and sculptures are inspired by the native shorebirds and fish species of his locality. In a strange world of inlets and islands the Henderson family house is on and partly over the water, hence a near cohabitation with birds and fish. Stephen's pine and driftwood art pieces depict a domain of natural world magic

Carving mostly out of recovered pieces of elm or elm wood and Canadian pine the sculptures are usually mounted art works on driftwood and natural weathered timber. Finishes are generally of built up washes of colour with waxing and often gold or silver leafing to add detail.

Stephen Henderson's sculptures are keenly observed. His art works capture the essence of the animal they depict and its environment. All are rendered with great skill, knowledge and affection for the subject. His art work has featured in many journals and periodicals, including BBC Homes and Antiques, Country Living, East Anglian Daily Times as well as in a documentary for Japanese Television.