An evocative sense of the working, living seascape is created in Lucy Richards’ degree project, called Navigate: A Series of Markers, which makes up an exhibition at 45 Southside Gallery in Plymouth.

Navigate: A Series of Markers is a series of mixed media sculptures inspired by the variety of coastal and oceanic navigation markers that Lucy has encountered around Plymouth Sound and Mount Batten.

Conceptually and aesthetically

Lucy is a recent graduate of 3D Design Crafts with a degree from Arts University Plymouth. She received multiple awards at her graduate showcase including 45 Southside Galleries’ Graduate Showcase Award. There was a high standard of 3D graduate work to select from but Lucy’s stood out conceptually and aesthetically, says the gallery.

Brightly coloured buoys assist with navigation and data collection and are specific to coastlines. For example, cardinal markers indicate safe water and lateral markers indicate direction of travel. Lucy has responded to the architectural forms, compositions, and bright colours of these markers, which she has abstracted to produce geometric frameworks that are filled with deformed blown glass and concrete structures.

‘Lost at sea’

At times, during her third-year studies, Lucy felt as if she was ‘lost at sea’, so these waymarkers became poignant symbols. After an amazingly response to her graduate show, Lucy is no longer ‘lost at sea’ and has plans to pursue glass as a medium. Lucy has an exciting future ahead of her.

“As a independent gallery we are passionate about promoting our Devon and Cornwall-based artists. Since opening in 2009, 45 Southside has become known for exhibiting high-quality and innovative craftsmanship all year round. We are all to happy to help and share our passion for craft and design, especially when it comes to finding the right piece for a collection or the perfect gift for loved ones,” says the gallery.

top image: Lucy Richards – Trapped Light

Lucy’s work is available in the gallery throughout the summer.