An Interview with Chérie Lubbock

Posted by Jazmine Saunders on 1st May, 2024

• Jazmine Saunders

  1. Can you share a bit about your artistic background and what inspired you to become an artist?

  Chérie Lubbock

  I have always created work from a very early age. Discouraged from going to art college I took art as my main subject and went into teaching. During my career, I attended evening classes on ceramics and spent a few years running my own ceramics business while taking time out from teaching to have a family. I decided to retire early and finally took a full-time Master of Fine Arts course at West Dean.

  Photographic Credit: Chérie Lubbock

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  Jazmine Saunders

  2. What specific media do you work with and how do you choose the materials for your work?

  Chérie Lubbock

  I work in a wide range of materials and enjoy using found objects with a history to them. These are incorporated into my sculptures. I also work in plaster, papiér mâché, jesmonite, wood and concrete. I paint using acrylics and also do printmaking including drypoint, monoprints and I make screenprint monotypes .

  Photographic Credit: Chérie Lubbock

• ... 'I have to trust the process. I move between 2D and 3D depending on what fits best,'

  Jazmine Saunders

  3. Could you describe your creative process, from concept to completion, for a typical piece of artwork?

  Chérie Lubbock

  I work intuitively and allow the materials and objects to guide me. I use play in the first instance, exploring materiality and responding to previous works. Sometimes a strong idea presents itself and I work with this. At other times, I work intuitively using chance and happy accidents to drive the work forward. I aim to employ a playful, fun element in my work that the viewer can respond to. I avoid giving all the answers, encouraging the viewer to interpret for themselves.

   

  I sometimes begin with a mindmap of an idea I may wish to follow. I often don’t have a clear idea of what I am trying to create and it is usually by talking to another person that I find myself being able to articulate an idea that I had not realised I had, until further into a project. So, I have to trust the process. I move between 2D and 3D depending on what fits best, to take my work to the next stage.

  Photographic Credit: Chérie Lubbock

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  Jazmine Saunders

  4. How do you draw inspiration for your work and are there particular themes or subjects that resonate with you?

  Chérie Lubbock

  I go to a lot of exhibitions and research artists. I also read about particular themes that I am working on. Although I don’t intend to, I often find my abstract sculptures develop human characteristics. Rituals and rites are often alluded to.

   

  I also love colour and the landscape around my studio, so these subjects are often reflected in my work.

   

  Photographic Credit: Chérie Lubbock

• Jazmine Saunders

  5. Can you discuss any challenges you’ve faced as an artist and how you’ve overcome them?

  Chérie Lubbock

  The biggest challenge I face is working in isolation. I miss having regular crit sessions and being challenged about my work. To overcome this I invite artist friends to my studio and have joined a few groups, but they are based a long distance away which makes attending meetings tricky.

  Photographic Credit: Chérie Lubbock

• ... 'I hope my work will be uplifting and make the visitors smile. Humour and joy is important in my work.'

  Jazmine Saunders

  6. What role does the Chichester Open Studios Art Trail play in your artistic journey and why did you choose to participate?

  Chérie Lubbock

  The Open Studios has enabled me to talk about my work with interested people. It is wonderful to hear and see how visitors respond to my work. It is a joy to welcome people into my studio. I learn so much from this and make new friends as a result.

  Photographic Credit: Chérie Lubbock

• 

  Jazmine Saunders

  7. Are there any specific pieces you’ll be showcasing during the Art Trail that hold special significance to you, and if so, why?

  Chérie Lubbock

  My most recent work is always my favourite work. Some of my new paintings have really tested me and so when they work it is great. The new series of abstract landscapes which don’t even have titles yet plus some new sculptures will be on show during open studios.

   

  Photographic Credit: Chérie Lubbock

• Jazmine Saunders

  8. How do you hope your audience will engage with or interpret your artwork during the Chichester Open Studios Art Trail?

  Chérie Lubbock

  I hope my work will be uplifting and make the visitors smile. Humour and joy is important in my work.

  Photographic Credit: Chérie Lubbock

• Jazmine Saunders

  9. What do you enjoy most about being part of the local artistic community and how does it influence your work?

  Chérie Lubbock

  The connection and thought-provoking discussion which moves my work forward.

  Photographic Credit: Chérie Lubbock

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  Jazmine Saunders

  10. Can you share your thoughts on the importance of community support for local artists and events like the Chichester Open Studios?

  Chérie Lubbock

  Art is a vital component of a rounded life and should be available to all. By putting on Open studio events, the community can engage with artists and be inspired.

  Photographic Credit: Chérie Lubbock