Featured artist: Lizzie Hobbs

Lizzie Hobbs is an artist based in Manchester, drawing freehand patterns inspired by nature and designs from around the world. As the drawing is freehand, without the use of software and rulers, the illustration process is a mindful one and the pieces that are produced are organic. The focus required to create the artwork, be it framed pieces, window murals and wall murals, can help to reduce inner mental turmoil. From where you're sitting right now you will be surrounded by patterns - simply pause and take a look around the room or outside of the window.

A large body of her work consists of mandalas – layers of patterns and shapes that are either purely decorative or have little pictures within the layers to tell stories and convey meanings. She has an interest in art and social change, how art can transform lives and provide communication, and how creativity can contribute to the health and wellbeing sector. Lizzie occasionally teaches wellbeing workshops which provide a safe space for creative exploration and a calming experience for students.

During isolation Lizzie has been determined to continue her art practice and to reach out to like-minded creatives. It is a good time to work through ideas for pieces which have lingered on a list for many months! She has recently completed a 3D project which recreates a decorative feature in Islamic architecture, called muqarnas. The piece is built using paper and card and is decorated on all facets with her hand-drawn patterns. The project took over 2.5 years to create. These sorts of magical pieces also offer a form of escapism and open up new worlds to discover.

Her key work includes creating a mindfulness colouring book in the UK and Brazil, decorating a model elephant for London's community event City Hunt, creating window art for Oxfam's Emporium, running activities with 0161 Community for disadvantaged youngsters, designing cosmetic packaging, and taking part in a collaborative expedition to Saudi Arabia with ten young artists, photographers and filmmakers from the UK and Middle East. Clients include the Whitworth Art Gallery, Victoria Baths, Oxfam, People's History Museum, HSBC, SOAS University of London, and Weleda. Her work has been displayed in the V&A and Vogue Magazine.

Lizzie was recently selected by Rosebud Film & Video to have a short 8 minute documentary made about her artwork. This provides a nice summary about her practice and the ethos behind it, and will perhaps offer some inspiration during isolation.

In these uncertain times it is more important than ever to keep connected and to continue being creative. Whether you're an individual or organisation, Lizzie is looking to create collaborations, to network, and for commissions. If you're interested, then please do get in touch.

For more information, please visit www.lizziehobbs.co.uk, or follow Lizzie on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.

CuratorSpace are currently featuring articles by artists, curators and organisations who want to share their experiences of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, whether that is artists using their practice as a way of exploring new boundaries of isolation, or as a way to connect more broadly with their communities. We are also interested in hearing from curators and organisations who are offering support to artists.

Contact us at louise@curatorspace.com to share your story. 

 

More news