Louise Bell

​

Unearthed 2023

​

A Lewes based ceramic artist, Louise makes hand built sculptures with multi - layered surfaces and multi - layered meanings. Each of Louise’s projects evolves from the project before it, through thought and the process of making. 

​

The ‘Ancient Toys’ project is inspired by the universal appeal of toys, with sources dating back as far as 1600 BC. Louise wants to value iconic toys that have evolved through centuries and across continents and yet have changed so little in shape and purpose. The objects look like they have been dug up from the earth but are also precious. 

​

Out of the ‘Ancient Toys’ project came the ‘Regeneration’ animals on wheels, which reflect Louise’s feelings of hope for the environment that emerged from the lock-down period during the pandemic. These totemic animals carry symbols of hope such as acorns, butterflies and the next generation.

​

Louise studied Fine and Applied Art at City Lit College, London and completed a Masters in Craft, specialising in ceramics at Brighton University in 2017. In 2019 she participated in the Craft Council’s ‘Hothouse’ Programme for emerging makers.