RELICS

by Lesley Hilling

Lesley Hilling is a South London based artist who constructs sculptures from recycled wood and found objects. Discarded furniture and old pianos are reworked into sculptural collages, edifices constructed as one might a building – with rooms, doors, cupboards and spaces containing forgotten treasures.

'I build constructions and incorporate things I've collected into them. I make something new out of objects that had a different life before. My aim is to create a unified whole that is at once sculptural in it's three dimensional form and painterly as each piece of wood I use is selected for it's colour, texture and tonal quality. My work can be interacted with. There is an interplay between what is hidden, what is revealed and what is to be discovered. There is a sadness in my work, a sense of loss. Certain objects resonate with me, like bones, old photographs, cigarette cards and old clock workings. Upon reflection I feel they are the same things I played with as a child. My work is about escape, about building a little world I am more comfortable with. I'm compelled to build things. It is what I need do. I like seeing the work grow organically. It is a mystery to me how it develops. It seems to have its own life. Ultimately my work is intuitive. It has been a part of my life ever since I can remember.'

Lesley's first solo show is at the Nancy Victor Gallery throughout February 2007. The exhibition includes wall based box constructions and free standing towers.

 

PRIVATE VIEW:
31 JANUARY 2007 6PM > 8.30PM

SHOW:
1 FEBRUARY > 1 MARCH 2007

 

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For further information, images or interview requests contact Rebecca Flounders at: press@nancyvictor.com