Levi Hawken - Contemporary sculptor

Creative Matters

Levi Hawken is a brutalist | modernist sculptor living and working in west Auckland. His practice includes sculpture in concrete, glass, wood and bronze as well as painting.

As a skateboarder, Levi understands the undeniable attraction of the urban concrete landscape. His work responds to the forms and elements of this environment.

In this very authentic conversation Levi takes us through his extraordinary life from early graffiti days and his world of skating to his appearances on TV and in film and the Nek Minute meme that made him famous, although not necessarily for all the right reasons. He speaks from the heart about experiences in his life that have affected the person he is, the way he works today and the art he makes.

We discuss Levi's early work, how his first show came about and how he built his reputation as a serious artist. We talk about his current work the False Idols series and the Solv series and how his work is inextricably intertwined with skateboarding and urban forms. Levi describes the ideas behind his work and his process for making and how he feels about showcasing his work in a more commercial environment.

This is an amazing story which will inspire young and old, giving you a true insight into the person and artist that is Levi Hawken.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Welcome and Introductions

02:34 Childhood Memories and Early Influences

04:11 High School Art Journey

06:10 Discovering Graffiti and Skateboarding

09:10 Pursuing Art and Skateboarding in Melbourne

13:07 Transition to Professional Art and Design

27:08 Life in Dunedin and Artistic Evolution

45:27 The Impact of the 'Neck Minute' Meme

52:37 Freestyling Shapes and Downhill Skateboarding

53:24 Exploring Helmet Designs and Aero Helmets

53:46 Collaborations and Exhibitions

54:35 Landscaping and Concrete Sculptures

55:47 Discovering Brutalism and Smaller Works

56:25 Buffable Show and Permanent Art

57:04 Challenges in the Art World

58:39 Transition to Full-Time Artist

59:19 Experimenting with Glass and Bronze

01:02:10 Architectural Influences and Brutalism

01:05:54 Urban Environment and Skateboarding Influence

01:14:05 Large Scale Projects and Problem Solving

01:23:32 Commercial Success and International Reach

01:31:01 Reflections and Future Aspirations

01:40:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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