Rob caught up with Derby-based artist and designer, Lesley Warrington to find out more about her work and upcoming projects.
HM: What first got you interested in art?
LW: I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in art really. From quite a young age I was very aware of colour and pattern and I loved drawing. I suppose it was when I was in my teens that I decided to be a fashion designer but really, I could have gone into any genre of art because I loved it all and still do. At that time though, it was all about fashion and so I studied for three years at what was then the Derby College of Art and then worked as a designer in the fashion industry for the next twelve years.
HM: How would you describe your particular style?
LW: Hmmm..a difficult question. Because I trained as a designer I suppose I see with a designer’s eye but there is now an element to my work which is more concerned with expression and after years of prescriptive design work I am trying to be more experimental, and my printmaking, which is very process-led, allows me the freedom to do this. At the moment I’m exploring a number of print making styles and techniques which is both liberating and fun.
HM: Your work seems to focus on time, how has this idea influenced your work and why?
LW: Where do I begin with this one? I have real issues with time! There never seems to be enough time to do the things we like to do or spend with the people we love, but it’s also the abstract nature of time which fascinates me. How we view time. What is wasted time exactly? So much of our time is mapped and measured out for us in the form of diaries, calendars and commitments and so I suppose I’m trying to slow things down a bit. I think my work reflects this. It’s another reason why I like traditional printmaking because it’s a medium that can’t be rushed.
HM: I see you exhibited your work in the Six Streets Arts Trail, how did that go?
LW: Six Streets was an extremely successful and life affirming event for everyone involved and I think the weekend exceeded everyone’s expectations, including the organizers. It was a great event to be part of and was a brilliant platform for artists to show their work. The event was for me, totally positive, not just because I sold several pieces of work but because it also gave me the opportunity to meet some lovely people and get valuable feedback.
HM: You will be showing at the Wirksworth Arts and Architecture Trail this weekend, how did that come about and where can we see your work?
LW: The festival has always been one of the year’s artistic highlights for me but this is the first time that I have applied to take part and I’m really pleased to have been selected to show my work. I’m very excited about my venue too as I’m exhibiting on Platform 4 at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Station in a lovely old Pullman carriage. Coincidentally, the location is perfect for my collection of original prints called ‘Time Line’. An added bonus is that the next carriage is an authentic Pullman buffet car offering home made cake!
HM: Do you have any future projects or ideas you can tell us about?
LW: It’s an interesting time for me right now and I have a head full of ideas but as always it’s about available time. Apart from creating my own work, I also teach and run printmaking workshops. However, I have recently set up my own studio complete with an etching press so I’m keen to spend time there developing my print work. It’s a great improvement on working on the kitchen table! I’m also about to collaborate with fellow artist Lorraine Clewlow on another time related theme so I’m very excited about that too.
HM: Thanks Lesley! Can't wait to see your work in Wirksworth!
Lesley regularly runs printmaking workshops for small groups. Email lesley@lesleywarrington.co.uk if you would like more details. You can also visit www.lesleywarrington.co.uk to see more of her work!