Next up in our series of Ones to Watch Artist interviews!
Lucy Clayton, Fine Art Level 6, Leeds Arts University
What medium to you prefer to use?
I prefer to work in a sculptural medium like Clay & concrete, as I enjoy the physical making process.
What is the inspiration behind your work?
I’m inspired by the environment and nature. Natural spaces create a place where you can shut out everything else that’s going on, and just become immersed in the tranquility of nature. During this lockdown period it made me realise how much I valued areas of natural landscape, and how important they are for the biodiversity of other species, as well as for our mental well-being. The landscape where I grew up in North Lincolnshire subconsciously feeds into my practise. I don’t really address this in my work, but this area is of personal importance to me.
What is your most important artist tool? Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?
Probably materials, as a sculptor I’m very much materially focused. So, if you took away my clay or cement I’d be lost without them.
During this uncertain time what will you do to occupy yourself?
A lot of drawing! Watercolour painting, carrying on with work for the degree show, and going on lots of walks with fellow artist Beth.
Which artists are you most influenced by?
I’m really inspired by Laure Provost- her work at the Venice Biennale was incredible. A few others are Michael Landy, Ane Graff, and Guieseppe Penone, as well as many more.
How do you seek out opportunities?
I mainly find opportunities through curatorspace, as well as advertisements on Instagram.
Which current art world trend are you following?
None that I know of, I follow pages on Instagram regarding climate change such as extinction rebellion, but I wouldn’t consider the environment movement a trend as such.
Plans for the future?
After uni I’m going to set up a studio in the basement of my house with fellow artist Beth Chamberlain. I’d also like to do a masters degree, go travelling at some point, as well as continuing to make and exhibit work.
Tell us about an exhibition that has stayed with you
Over summer I visited the Venice Biennale which was incredible. There was such a diverse range of work, it was like viewing countless exhibitions one after the other each one offering something different and exciting.
Any books/ films/tv series that you’d recommend for anyone interested in art?
Phantom Thread and At Eternity’s Gate are both really beautiful films that are worth watching to anyone who’s interested in art.
What are your favourite Instagram accounts?
@watercatlor for cats doing funny things, @mrs_bertimus my Foundation Art Teacher who’s so inspiring and made me want to study art.
What is your dream project?
I haven’t really thought this far ahead as I’ve mainly been focused on the degree show and making work! I guess my dream project would be to have a solo exhibition in another country, as I’d love to exhibit work outside of the uk one day.
What is your most successful piece of work and why?
My most successful piece for me would be the Concrete Curves I made in the last module. In this piece I worked on a large scale, and really developed my technical skills in the making process. Concrete is a material that I’ve been working in since the second year of uni, so I really wanted to push what I could do with it. The piece came together well, from the making aspect through to the presentation in the studio.
Find out more about Lucy’s work here.
Read about all the artists in Ones to Watch here.
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