Introducing: Lawrence Dicks

1 February - 1 March 2024

  • WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY SOURCE OF INSPIRATION?

    Subconscious inspiration is taken from daily walks along the Sussex coast where the rhythm of the tide and the eroding effect of time and the ocean are seen through the rounding, hollowing, and pitting of stone in my work. Natural phenomena and cellular structure have been a theme in my work since the very beginning, exaggerating, and deconstructing the repeating patterns into ambiguous and tactile objects.

  • YOU WORK WITH BRONZE, WOOD AND STONE. HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR MATERIALS FOR EACH WORK?

    I tend to work with British and Northern French Limestone which I can source locally. I like its humble origins and it’s easy to work with. Having created a piece in stone, I sometimes cast an edition in Bronze. This gives the piece a different feel and the patina gives the work a different aesthetic quality.

  • HAS YOUR IMMEDIATE ENVIRONMENT HAD AN EFFECT ON YOUR PRACTICE?

    My works are highly connected through a fluid and natural rhythm, inspired by time spent walking in the fields and beaches surrounding my home. This creates a recognisable, visual and unique sculptural language which is present throughout my work - one of still, quiet pieces to spend time with.

  • DO YOU DIRECTLY CARVE EACH SCULPTURE OR WORK FIRST FROM A DRAWING OR MODEL?

    I tend to carve directly into the stone, preferring the work to emerge as a result of subconscious decisions during the repetitive act of carving. Although I use drawings as a part of my practice, they don’t necessarily inform any particular work, instead, they stand alone as works in their own right.

  • WHAT'S ON THE HORIZON FOR YOUR WORK?

    I find every sculpture tends to naturally lead on to the next, I continue to develop my practice not allowing any piece to become too refined, preferring instead a balance between a looseness and a tightness. The organic approach to my work keeps things interesting for me and hopefully for the viewer too.