Well H Teddy

Happy Easter

Sometimes an artist can effortlessly surprise with work for which we develop a particular admiration. Two years ago I came across Well H Teddy or Well Hung Teddy, a character unique and rich in originality, conveyed  in strange narratives- within familiar city and country escapes. Well H Teddy is an elaborately crafted  bear with an air of  confusion, abandonment, loneliness and beauty. Teddy also, regularly transforms himself setting off in adventures and he appears in various forms. 

Here, I will look through some of his journeys and try to share with you the beauty and mystery captured with simplicity on character that, hopefully by the end of this post, will also have become your virtual companion. The creator of Well H Teddy has kindly agreed to answer a few questions at the end.

Sometimes, Well H is a sticker on a cup which gradually comes off during the dish-washing cycle, he can also be found sliced on a plate bleeding thick pink blood as an Easter greeting, through this occasional irony touches, we get to know a little bit about the personality of his creator.

Other times, Teddy is flying through the air, travelling the city or hanging in the forest. With his big black eyes he rarely seems to change his expression. He appears indifferent to his surroundings, as if there is something constantly on his mind- perhaps a memory or a purpose, we can help wonder if he is lost, searching or escaping.

The print below is entitled "Teddy Escapes to the City" we see Teddy in a forest hanging by his ears, this piece has been described by a fan as "adorably depressing" is he plotting to escape? or maybe he in only using his imagination to travel, but not actually going anywhere. Has someone left him there temporarily? forever? The possibilities entertain us, while we examine the delicacy in which each print has been executed, our brain is constantly trying to figure something out. This settings are as fictional as they seem familiar.

Things inevitably happen to Well H as they do to us, events beyond our control "nothing is certain, except change" sometimes this change is welcomed and others it can be an obstacle or window of opportunity, that depends on our temperament. We are autonomous individuals subject to a constantly changing environment. However, there is a place for us, a realm where we would like to be either physically or emotionally. While we search for ours, we wonder if Teddy will eventually find his.

By becoming a Teddy fan you embark on a journey merely as an observer of a bear we think lost and by giving him human characteristics we sympathise with him.

Part of the Dish-washing Series

Although he endures harsh conditions: sliced, buried, hanged and more, he is always intact in a kind of fragile condition, defenceless but his texture remains as indifferent to the elements as his mind appears to be.

First thank you agreeing to answer some of my questions and I hope you enjoyed my post, it was a pleasure reflecting on your work.

Who is Well H Teddy?
How was the concept for Well H Teddy born?
Where do you see Well H Teddy in 10 years?

Well H is me; I am somewhat hairy and have crooked ears. The pictures and sculptures reflect exactly what I am doing or feeling at the time. Sometimes literally and other times a little more suggestive. The early abstract work came from a period when I was living on the 23rd floor in central Auckland. I loved the way the buildings reflected each other becoming almost organic and similar to the Polynesian weaving and carving. Teddy appeared during a reunion with my oldest friends returning to the place of our childhood summers. Yvonne rescued me with her first coin and the little fella became the perfect foil. First immortalized in my favourite felt tips by accident while fighting my appalling attention span attempting to complete a serious landscape. This first picture just made every one smile which is such a great thing so by accident he popped up on Facebook. After 24 hours he had 67 friends from all over the world and just kept going. Now with a string of gallery shows and prints hanging all over the world hopefully? Well who knows, no planning just enjoying and bringing smiles. 
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Thank you Well H, there is a real honesty in Teddy that is totally capturing. I look forward to the future and more from Teddy.

More information and images of Well H Teddy can be found: HERE or alternatively you can visit him at Camden Gallery where he will be hanging temporarily.

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