Lisa Scantlebury is an artist based in Bristol, UK. She was shortlisted for our Public Art Open Submission and selected to further develop her work for Art Across The City 2014. We caught up with Lisa for a quick Q & A.
Who are you?
My name is Lisa Scantlebury. Age 41. I am an artist who lives and works in Bristol
I am also Director of Plenderleith Scantlebury Specialist Fabricators of Fine Art and Design.
My studio is based at Spike Island, Bristol
Hello, how are you?
Thank you. I am very excited to be creating this new work for Art Across the City 2014.
What do you do?
I enjoy entering into the chaos of popular public spaces, how they are used, where people look, where they are going.
My photographic illusions are mainly site specific and are often on a large scale.
What have you been doing recently?
I have been developing my skills through reading and researching new printing materials and this has led me to using this particular technique for the first time in Swansea. I am also currently working on a sculpture that involves moulding and casting a plastic pallet from China.
What are you doing for Art Across the City in Swansea?
I’ve been working closely with Tan Dance Company in Neath Port Talbot, taking a large-scale photo is a close up of two dancers’ feet. It will be placed near a statue of Dylan Thomas looking on forlornly, referencing his wife Caitlin, who was once a promising dancer. The packing crate structure refers to the cultural influence of Swansea’s trade links.
What are your ideas behind the work?
Swansea is a fascinating city to explore with so much history and many creative organisations. An important part of this work was to meet these groups and photograph them at work or leisure doing what they do.
What do you think the public will make of it?
Passing through the square I hope this work will enable people to experience imagery in a new way and connect with groups in and around Swansea.
