Lesley Ash

Work on website.
1. Another oil of frolics in the river.
2. A still life this time, in oils called Zinnias and Spoons
3. A life-sized German Shepheard in cold-cast bronze, commissioned by the owner of the dog, modelled and cast by myself.
4. Lino-cut in two colours with watercolour sky.
5. An old piece, no longer available, displaying my chainsaw styling of cherry wood. The head, body and tail were joined together using old horse harness chains so that it writhed sinuously when floated in gently moving water.
6. Myself in my print shop.
7. Apres Swim. Drypoint.
8. Watching the Nightwatch. Drypoint. Distracted from the painting by Rembrandt, as many of the people in the room evidently were.
9. This is a sundial called Timepiece. The gnomon is a chief’s chair depicting a foetus (stolen from Leonardo) a winged snake and other celestial symbols. In Chestnut.
10. An hour marker from the sundial, this one of fishes but each depicting forms of life which make up our fellow species on planet Earth. In cedar.
11. Pip the Terrier. A half life-size in cold-cast bronze, modelled and cast by myself.
12. Lion. Made as a celebration of the queen’s Jubilee at Blickling Hall, partnered with a unicorn. These large ephemeral pieces are made for large settings.
13. One of a series of White Dog etchings.

I have been making art for decades. First as a primary school teacher, then as a sculptor with my partner and husband, John Hardy at Wickmere Drystone and lately as a painter and printmaker
I sculpt mostly animals and children for outdoors in cold-cast bronze but love carving in wood for indoor pieces (if only there were more hours in a day!)
The 2D work has developed over the last 10 years. Completing a diploma at the Norfolk Painting School with Martin Kinnear, I remain enthusiastic for oil paint on board and continue to walk the journey painting presents me with.
Parallel to this, church architecture, which I love to draw, lends itself to lino printing. The sharp contrast of light on the medieval churches in Norfolk is a favourite exploration in my practice.
Drypoint and etching will keep me busy as well.

I am exhibiting with Maggie Simmons and Angie Maddigan at the Studio in Wickmere, as part of the Aylsham and District Trail.
We have been friends for ages and are doing workshops in clay modelling as part of our North Norfolk Open Studios.