Multidisciplinary artist Lisa McEleny explores themes of ageing and decay, reflecting on the transient nature of human existence. She completed a BA (Hons) in Craft and Material Practices, winning a MAKE Southwest Graduate award and, subsequently, QEST’s Making It Award for Craft Innovation.
A previous career as a nurse, where experiencing the fragility of old age was commonplace, fed a fascination with ephemerality and she is greatly inspired by the parallels between the human body and the natural world.Central to her work is a home-grown element, such as chia or wheatgrass, which is manipulated and merged with more traditional materials to create delicate root structures, fragile ceramics and statement jewellery.
Living matter shapes her design process with the intention to capture the natural world in a state of transformation. A symbiotic relationship with her materials offer a connection to nature, allowing for a mindful and enriching practice. A strong focus on use of transient materials, such as chia and wheatgrass, allows for the degradation of some work back into the environment allowing for an ever-changing and unique experience.
Education
2020-2024
BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices (First Class Honours)
Arts University Plymouth
Awards
2025
The QEST Making It Award for Craft Innovation
2025
Commended - Making It 2025 Green Maker Initiative Award
2024
MAKE Southwest Graduate Prize
2024
'One to Watch' Arts University Plymouth
Exhibitions
2025
RWA 172 Annual Open Exhibition, Bristol
2025
Making It, MAKE Southwest
2024
New Designers, Business Design Centre, London
2024
Graduate Exhibition, Arts University Plymouth
2024
Research Poster Exhibition, MAKE Southwest
2023
None of their Beeswax, Mount Edgcumbe House and Gardens
2023
Skin and Bone, Leadworks, Plymouth
2022
Pathways, PS1 Gallery, Plymouth
2022
Demise, PS1 Gallery, Plymouth
2021
Unmade Bed, Arts University Plymouth
Press
Featured in Haus-A-Rest Magazine alongside artists exploring ephemeral practices
