Leamington artist puts her personality into sculptures

BIRDS, books, hands and feet are among objects that pop up in the sculptural work of Leamington artist Wendy Bicknell.

Gallery 150 in the town centre is hosting her solo exhibition until Sunday (October 28).

During her younger days, Wendy used to incorporate political issues - including feminism and capitalism - into her work, but she was less than satisfied at the extent to which people engaged with them.

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So she changed direction and began to create pieces that draw on her own life experiences and, more specifially, “what it means to be human”.

In this exhibition, Wendy presents a series of sculptural works made from ready-made objects - such as birds, containers, books, hands and feet, among others.

Glass is also a key component - as Wendy sees the material as a visual representation of “ideas made solid”.

These images feature repeatedly, popping up again and again in different scenarios and in what appear to be representations of the soul, personal shrines or sacred icons.

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Wendy said: “I am permanently searching for relevant objects - from boot fairs, second-hand shops and occasionally new items. When I find enough of them - birds for instance - they sit patiently lined up in my studio, until something about them inspires me.

“In making these pieces, I have had to deal with the awkward feeling of exposing my inner self, as does any artist who strives to be honest.

“But I have found that making the work has made me feel bolder than I have ever felt before.

“This is the paradox of looking inside yourself for ideas.”

Gallery 150, which is run by the Leamington Studio Artists, is in Livery Street in the Regent Court shopping centre. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 6pm, and on Sundays from 11am to 4pm. Entry is free.

To find out more about the gallery, visit www.gallery150.co.uk and for further details about the Leamington Studio Artists, visit www.lsa-artists.co.uk

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