Introducing a new series of interviews designed to shine a light on the established and emerging artists and makers currently showing their work in exhibitions and galleries in London and further afield.
We continue the programme with sculptor Victoria Rance, who is currently exhibiting at the Saatchi Galley's IF NOT NOW, WHEN? exhibition, which showcases the work of 29 remarkable female sculptors.
Award-winning artist Victoria Rance creates sculptures that viewers can interact with, either physically or in the imagination, and records interactions with her sculptures using photography, film and animation.
She was born in Streatley, Berkshire in 1959, a graduate of Newcastle Upon Tyne University (BA Hons 1983) and Kingston University (MA 2009), and the winner of the Mark Tanner Sculpture Award 2003-4. She is based at APT Studios in Deptford, London, and can currently be seen showing two of her 'Sculpture to Wear' series: Wedding Dress and The Cloak of Invisibility at the Saatchi Gallery's IF NOT NOW, WHEN? exhibition during its Season of Sculpture.
What inspires your work?
Dreams, memories and reflections on the relationship between human culture and the natural world alongside close observation of art and artefacts in every type of museum.
Are there any other objects or artworks you’re particularly looking forward to seeing during the exhibition?
I especially loved Independence by Permindar Kaur and look forward to seeing that again.
What trends do you see emerging in the arts in 2024?
A deeper connection with the natural world, the dissolving of boundaries between animal, human and vegetation, and between abstraction and figuration, and the use of myth to help us through the challenges of climate change and war.
If you weren't an artist, you'd be...
A midwife or a wildlife camera person.
Other than a phone and keys, what's the one item you always have on you?
My sketchbook. (Not always my phone.)
How do you relax when you're not working?
Watching birds on Deptford Creek, where my studio is located.
What's your favourite-ever piece of art?
The Venus of Lespugue, which I saw for the second time recently and fell in love with all over again.
