Wizardry in Wood 2021
Joey Richardson
Joey Richardson an internationally renowned woodturner and sculptor is known for her delicate pierced and richly hued wood forms. Born in Lincolnshire England, she grew up in the heart of Twigmoor Woods on a small farm. Here, the magnificent trees subliminally rooted within her a deep love for the woodland and she began turning and carving reclaimed local timber.
Her MA in Fine Art (University of Lincoln 2018) augmented her craft skills with a theoretical depth. Her most recent filigree work, takes the form of a full sized, screen comprising of twenty-five large, pierced, detailed wooden panels, depicting poignant life events. Inspired by this artwork, Joey is now producing unique, ephemerally embossed prints, bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary wood-cut processes.
There is often an autobiographical element in her work which has strong links to the history of the place and the origin of material. Joey’s practice investigates the emotional and symbiotic relationship humans have with trees. She often incorporates mixed media, transposing the material to add another layer of conceptual reasoning.
Her sculptures are held in numerous permanent and private collections. Inspiring others, Joey lectures and demonstrates her techniques globally. She has been awarded the prestigious QEST Award of Excellence (2015) and made a Court Assistant of the Turners Company (2018).
Nature and more specifically, wood, is the driving force in my sculptural practice. It informs my themes and guides my expressions. From memento mori to vanitas through mimesis, my delicate wood forms and contemporary, mixed-media sculptures are informed by and seek to encapsulate nature. It shapes me and in turn, I shape it.
My profound appreciation of wood and natural materials have left their seeds buried deep within my work. They are animated by its spirit, its story and its transitions. To me, there is no greater manifestation of life abundant. Wood warms and restores the soul. Joey Richardson
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