In this month's meeting of the Bucks Pottery and Sculpture Society our guest speaker will be London based artist Hannah Lim. Hannah is interested in exploring how cultures intersect and how these intersections historically have been reflected through the design of objects, artworks and architecture. This interest is connected to her own mixed British and Singaporean heritage.
She became interested in the 18th century design trend Chinoiserie, a trend through which aspects of Chinese designs and culture were appropriated to conform to European tastes. She attempts to re-imagine this practice in a more conscientious way, respecting the heritage of the cultural designs that are referenced.
There is a blend of contrasting themes, materials and styles in her work. Whilst referencing historic objects, the motifs and processes are often made using more contemporary materials - jesmonite, vibrantly coloured polymer clay, laser cut metal and coloured plastic chains. There is an intent to blend ornamental and functional designs, particularly in her larger scale sculptures.
Both smaller snuff bottle works and larger furniture-like sculptures have anthropomorphic or creaturely qualities, often featuring clawed feet, bowed legs, wings and curved arms. These accents reference the design styles and objects they are inspired by but in helping to give these objects life, they become much more playful, active structures and invite people to investigate the cultural context of the work. For examples of Hannah's work see www.hannah-lim.co.uk
The meeting will be held at Little Kingshill Village Hall, Windsor Lane, Little Kingshill, HP16 0DZ on Friday 25th September from 8-10pm. Entry is free for BPSS members, £5 for visitors. For information about the Society see our website www.buckspotters.com - we are also on Facebook and Instagram.