River of Hope, 2026

Lyra Morgan  

Artist Statement:

I'm inspired by a profound love for water, I hope that my paintings possess the transformative power to infuse spaces with a sense of both tranquillity and vitality. I aim to capture the essence of water's ephemeral nature and its ability to manifest in various forms, whether it be the ethereal shape-shifting clouds or the flowing currents of a river. The representation of water through paint and process serves as a persistent theme in my art.

My work is deeply influenced by the Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi, a philosophy that embraces the beauty of imperfection and transience. My interpretation of Wabi-Sabi permeates my practice, allowing me to explore and experiment with different materials and processes.

Embracing the positive outcomes of serendipity, I always approach my work with a sense of playfulness and openness, inviting unexpected elements to shape the final outcomes. 

The philosophy of living in the present moment and accepting "the flow," which is inherent in many Japanese philosophies, has a profound impact on my artistic expression. By immersing myself in these concepts, my artwork organically evolves, embracing the fluidity of the creative process and surrendering to the currents of inspiration.

I hope that my 'statement' paintings evoke the calmness I feel when I create them and that they transform the spaces you live in.

Education:

MA ADAPT (Art & Design Advanced Practice & Theories) – 2011, University of Derby

BA Honours First Class in Art & Design – 2004, Birmingham Institute of Art & Design (BIAD)

Awards & Distinctions:

2024, Special Recognition, Light Space Time's Worldwide abstracts exhibition.

2023, Merit, Grey Cube's Worldwide Green Exhibition.

2021, Honourable Mention, Grey Cube Gallery's worldwide Waters exhibition.

2020, Grey Cube Gallery, Honourable Mention Worldwide

2016, Special Merit, Light Space Time's Worldwide Cityscape Exhibition
 

Exhibitions:

Light Space Time Abstracts Exhibition, Worldwide, 2024
Grey Cube Gallery. Green, Worldwide, Merit, 2023
Art Room Gallery, Waters, Worldwide, Finalist, 2022
The Enterprise Centre, Derby, 2022
Banks Mill Studios Group, Derby,2022
Grey Cube Gallery, Abstracts, Worldwide, 2022
Banks Mill Open Studios, 2021
Art Room Gallery, Shades of Blue, Worldwide, 2021
Grey Cube Gallery, 2021
Art Room Gallery, Abstracts, Worldwide, 2021
Grey Cube Gallery,  Worldwide, 2020
Light, Space and Time Open Exhibition, Worldwide, 2020
Banks Mill Open Studios, 2019
Sackville Street, London, 2018
The Enterprise Centre, Derby, 2018
Banks Mill Studios, Derby, 2018
BrighTEN, Royal Derby Hospital, 2017
Deda, Derby, 2016
Light Space Time, 2016
Banks Mill, 2016
CiTiES:All Dimensions, Tokarska Gallery, 2013
United Society of Artists, Menier Gallery, 2012

Artistic Influences:

Rather than art movements themselves, I feel my work has been influenced most by my creative interpretation of the Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi and a belief in the positive outcomes of serendipity i.e. the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way! Many Japanese philosophies embrace living in the moment and accepting 'the flow' and it is these concepts that influence my practice most. I work with the paint, with the colours and see where they take me - places I didn't even know I wanted to go!

I'm a huge fan of James Turrell, Mark Rothko, Bill Viola, Cornelia Parker and Anish Kapoor for their ability to enable a new experience of a space or create awe-inspiring thoughts and perspectives.

Tags:

abstract, blue, natural, vibrant, large, water, calming