This Artist Strives To Show The Vibrancy And Texture Of Corals Through Her Ceramic Sculptures
Lisa Stevens, an accomplished sculptor and ceramic artist, has been excelling in her creative journey that spans over two decades. From her early days as a sculptor at Aardman Animations, working on beloved films like “Chicken Run” and “Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Wererabbit,” Lisa has since delved into the world of ceramic clay and discovered her true passion for texture, color, and environmental themes.
One of Lisa’s notable endeavors is “The 100 Day Project” on Instagram. In this ongoing series, she creates mesmerizing teardrop-shaped coral wall sculptures, each bearing the name of an ocean, sea, or other large body of water. By immortalizing these natural wonders, Lisa emphasizes their vulnerability and the need for their protection. Her work serves as a gentle reminder to appreciate and safeguard the oceans that sustain life on Earth.
In an exclusive interview with DeMilked, Lisa revealed, “I’ve always enjoyed creating with my hands, and although I was proficient at drawing and painting, my true loves are texture and colour, first explored with freehand embroidery and beadwork and moving onto clay, after my work as a sculptor.”
Check out some of her stunning works in the gallery below.
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Image source: Lisa Stevens
When we asked her about her creative process, the artist said, “My textures are built up with many marks made with simple tools. It’s almost meditative, and certainly my favourite part of the process. When I originally started playing with clay, the freedom of mark-making soon started to produce coral-like textures. I then further researched coral patterns, although I never try to copy them exactly.”
“I’ve always been fascinated by nature, especially anything really small, and so it was easy for my love of reef-based textures and colours to grow. The textures themselves are just a process of exploration and trial and error. There are many ways to use each simple tool and then these marks can be worked into with smaller tools. As with any art style, it takes years of continuous work and exploring new ideas, to develop your own signature style. There are a few people who have been following me for fifteen years on social media and have seen my style become more complicated, colourful and fluent,” she further elaborated.
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Image source: Lisa Stevens
In a previous project, Lisa delved into the intricate beauty of skulls, adorning them with coral or floral textures. This juxtaposition of life and death conveys the transformative power of nature. The skull tiles, all unique in their designs, symbolize the interconnectedness of all living things and the cyclical nature of existence. It is a testament to the regenerative capacity of our planet and the potential for renewal.
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Image source: Lisa Stevens
“I’m also making my way through a series named after the natural satellites in the Solar System, of which there are many. I still have some way to go, but I must have made over a hundred. I’ve also recently started a series of wall sculptures, with a sunken area of blue glass texture in each one, named after the many coral atolls, and another, smaller series, named after comets,” she said describing her other projects.
While Lisa’s larger sculptures make a striking visual impact, her smaller creations, such as brooches and pendants, offer a more intimate connection. Not only are those pieces beautifully crafted, but they also serve as efficient uses of resources, maximizing kiln space and electricity consumption. The porcelain clay provides a perfect canvas for Her vibrant and luminous colors, which come alive through commercial underglazes, stoneware glazes, and pools of melted glass. The result is a collection of miniature treasures, like little jewels for your walls or wearable art that tells a story.
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Image source: Lisa Stevens
Lisa’s art has garnered recognition, and her pieces can be found at prestigious galleries like Katherine Richards Art Gallery in Brighton and Hove. Additionally, she has smaller creations on display at Independent Design Collective in Bristol. These exhibition spaces provide the perfect backdrop for her artwork, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the enchanting fusion of nature and creativity that Lisa brings to life.
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Image source: Lisa Stevens
Through her art, the artist creates a bridge between the human experience and the natural world, reminding us of our interconnectedness and the responsibility we share to protect our planet. With her talent, dedication, and growing presence, Lisa continues to inspire others to appreciate the beauty of nature and take action to preserve it for generations to come.
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Image source: Lisa Stevens
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Image source: Lisa Stevens
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Image source: Lisa Stevens
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Image source: Lisa Stevens
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Image source: Lisa Stevens
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