About

Artists' Statement

I extend a warm welcome to you as you embark on a visual exploration of my artistic world. I am Lisa McGilben, an emerging artist currently residing in London, a city that has been my home for the past twenty-four years. Originally from Lancashire, I spent a decade in South Africa, an experience that left an indelible mark and enriched my artistic perspective. My educational background includes studies in design, art history, and the culmination of a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Contemporary Media Practice from the University of Westminster, London.

My artistic journey encompasses a diverse range of mediums, including drawing, painting, photography and film. My primary focus lies in the representation of the human form and its profound expression. Drawing inspiration from mesmerizing, live artistic performances, such as the transformative art of the Japanese dance theatre, Butoh, my work captures the immediacy and intensity of the performers’ expressions, merging seamlessly with the act of drawing itself. This symbiosis becomes a subconscious process that unfolds across the dimensions of time, resulting in artwork that fragmented, meditative, and often melancholic.

At the core of my artistic exploration is the revelation of the human condition – a theme that delves into both the power and vulnerability inherent in our nature. Within my drawings and paintings, the prominence of the line becomes a dynamic conduit, expressing movement, expansion, contraction, and perception. I delve into the intricacies of how our perception of ourselves and our experiences, shapes our interpretation of others, using fragmentation to create instances of contradictions and reflection.

In my art, the exploration of connections is paramount, achieved through fluidity and harmony. Inspired by the mesmerizing patterns of fractals, the cinematic techniques by Fellini and Hitchcock, and the fluid properties of water, especially the reflective qualities of the sea's surface, I aim to express the interconnectedness of individuals and the shared experiences that bind us. This exploration extends beyond the canvas, inviting viewers to reflect on their own interpretations and connections in the intricate tapestry of human relationships.

In essence, my work serves as a visual narrative that invites contemplation on the multifaceted nature of human existence = a journey that unfolds through the interplay of form, expression, and the delicate balance between power and vulnerability. Through my art, I aspire to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and contribute to a deeper understanding of the human experience.

I invite you to subscribe for updates on my artistic endeavors and encourage you to reach out with any questions or thoughts you may have. Thank you for joining me on this artistic odyssey. 

From the Blog
Drawing during poetry readings

Drawing during poetry readings

During 'Outspoken' poetry evenings, talented poets, activists and musicians take to the stage take to the stage and present their work, while I got the opportunity to observe, listen and draw.
Drawing during performance art

Drawing during performance art

Drawing during performance art can add a dynamic quality to a piece of work. It loosens up the hand, mind and therefore, the marks made on the paper.
A visit to the British Museum

A visit to the British Museum

I did an inspiring visit to the British Museum yesterday to do some drawing of my favourite Egyptian sculptures. The sculptures are of the deity, Sekmet, the daughter of the sun-god Ra, a lion goddess, which means ‘the mighty one’. Made of Granodiorite, King Amenhotep III commissioned hundreds of statues of her.