Debbie Bent

Debbie Bent. B.A Hons
Artist Statement

‘Found’
Here is my breath, to grow you,
Thank you for your breath, to grow me,

Walking in the fields is a reminder to me, that I am part of everything and of no consequence at all, both are liberating feelings and ones that my work explores along with issues of nurturing and belonging.
This body of work is a collision between two explorations, one organic and one figurative that came ever closer until they united in one form. The inspiration came from looking at the connections between both, relating small organic details such as the difference in an acorns exterior and interior texture, to people ( a tough exterior protecting vulnerability) or seeing a fern uncurling and being reminded of a baby’s hand unfolding. There is also a narrative connected with myths and legends which give a voice to the forms and allow them to be ambiguous.
These are my latest sculptures, which are made primarily from clay, which has the ability to access the subconscious in a way that no other material can and I play with fragility and fragments to explore ideas of perfection, with both people and nature.
Clay is also the material I know most about technically and so I often use it to give form to my ideas, but I also love drawing; especially life drawing and painting. I also work with glass, felt and paper.