LOUISE KAYE
Exploring the limitation of functional /non functional is the way I experience freedom in my work, specifically 3D pieces. It is also how meaning comes into being.
“There are no rules or boundaries for me it’s finding what I feel works. I use colour to evoke emotion as well as the sensitivity of line both when drawing or hand building with clay but ultimately the material itself needs to sing…it’s a collaboration.”
My work is a continual process just as we live life daily. One piece leads to the next and I often go back and forth with work zigzagging from canvas to ceramic as stepping stones on my way.
The Natural world is my source of inspiration particularly being in places 'untouched’ by humans. Work of other artists poets and philosophers as well as my 45 year yoga practice influence my vision.
Responding to every day life is the drive to make. I am continually looking around me. It is hard to say exactly how and why and when stuff is filtered out and fed into my work.
I have a few themes which are fundamental to my practise which reoccur over and over. For example, "The Celebration Of Nature”, a series I have named "Trophies to Fruit and Veg". These are one-off irregular and individual collages made to honour the food which nourishes us. They stand up as sculptural pieces in their own right in a "non functional" way but they also have a function to celebrate a particular vegetable or fruit and it is when the two come together the “functionality” and the meaning of the work is manifest .
Much work is put to one side until the right time comes up for its placement whether that be collage with paper canvas prints or clay work...I try not to waste any material ever. I love the surprise that chance juxtaposition throws up.
Louise Kaye studied at Central St Martins, BA hons Fine Art Critical Studies. She has a studio based practise in West Hampstead, London. Exhibitions include Irma Stern museum, Cape Town; The Anthroplogy Gallery, Kings Road, Chelsea; Dover Street Market on the Haymarket London; Alex Eagle Studio, Soho, Lexington Street. In 2023 she has shows at Livingstone St Ives, Bristol; Atherton Green, Hampshire and a show at The Ice House, Holland Park.
