We are all familiar with the colourful and original ceramics produced by this highly talented artist. The sculptural forms by Lees include functional urns, plate stands and tea pots, disguised as fecund females who seem to celebrate all things daring, domestic and delightful. There's no doubt about this artist's love of her work and pride in her gender.
Despite the unique poses and 'busy' patterns of her ceramic creations, Lees's signature style works as there is an ideal extension, or distortion, of the parts to create an harmonious whole. Each sculpted object is balanced (visually and physically) from every point of view. This little exhibition not only presents examples of the artist's talent in manipulating plain clay into audacious objects, it also offers a collection of Lees's paintings.
This is a first time I've seen her work on canvas and am pleased to report they are as bright and beautiful as her ceramics. Employing a strong and curvaceous line that echoes the sensuous contours of her 3D forms, the artist defines voluptuous shapes of domestic divas. There is a sense of the coquette in these house-workers as they seem to advert their gaze allowing us to observe them as they sweep, vacuum or attend to other household tasks. The high key colours are as bright and strong as her ceramic glazes, so too the variety of exciting patterns that seem to swirl within the rectilinear borders of the canvas. Don't be surprised if you find yourself beginning to smile and sway while viewing these dancing, dreaming damsels ~ their joy is infectious.
Also included in the exhibition are two very small paintings in rather large, ornate ceramic frames. These little treasures are like icons of old but the Madonnas held secure in the centre of these decorative surrounds are not so much saintly as they are sassy. These are well considered, constructed and presented artworks.
When we look beyond the charm of this exhibition, we notice how it confirms yet again, that Robyn Lees is a serious artist who maintains a high standard in all she presents as she continues to explore, extend and perfect her artistic abilities. Good one!