In the exhibition What Lies Beneath, artists Mandy Lake and Noel McCully present a captivating fusion of nature and art. This collaborative project springs from their shared reverence for the natural world, and inspired by an evocative exhibition of The Ardmore at The Mount Nelson.
Noel McCully’s vision breathes new life into pieces of wood, transforming them into intricate depictions of oversized shells. Through an elaborate process of chainsaw carving, grinding, and sanding, Noel reveals hidden forms within the wood, unveiling structures that are both unexpected and profound. Each piece retains the unique character and essence of the wood, while revealing new dimensions of form and texture.
Mandy Lake’s role in this artistic journey involves enhancing these creations through a meticulous process of painting and sanding. Her techniques evoke the enduring beauty of shells weathered by time, ocean currents, and the sun. The resulting works invite viewers to experience the textures and subtleties of these pieces up close, while still appreciating their elegant forms from a distance.
What Lies Beneath offers a compelling exploration of form, shape, and beauty, inviting a deep appreciation of the interplay between natural materials and artistic intervention.
Artists’ Biographies
MANDY LAKE
Mandy Lake is a versatile artist, graphic designer, and illustrator with a distinguished career in the art world since 2010. Her artistic journey has been closely entwined with her profound love for the ocean, which has served as the primary muse for her oil paintings. Mandy’s work encapsulates the sheer splendors of the sea, offering viewers an immersive experience of its true beauty and magnificence. Her art rekindles an appreciation for nature, allowing one to explore the play of light on the waves, the ever-shifting cooler palettes, and the dynamic moods of the ocean. Mandy’s art form is a constant source of challenge and inspiration, and she celebrates her passion for the sea through vibrant colours, evolving techniques, and a sense of serenity cultivated through her extensive observations of the waters.
Instagram: @mandylake_artist
Website: www.mandylake.com
Contact: 082 4487130
NOEL MCCULLY
Noel McCully, an architect by profession, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a chainsaw artist. Her architectural background and a passion for drawing and creativity took a unique twist when she embraced the world of chainsaw art. A self-taught artist, Noel’s journey has been characterized by her relentless dedication to mastering this expressive art form. Her fascination with the chainsaw lies in its ability to shape solid wood swiftly and dynamically, enabling her to convey her love for nature, form, and oversized objects. These grand sculptures, with their commanding presence, challenge the ordinary and invite awe in their larger-than-life magnificence. Noel embarked on her artistic journey by crafting colossal wooden shells, each piece a unique challenge in capturing the essence of the shell while preserving the unmistakable touch of the chainsaw. Overcuts, natural cracks, texture, and character are seamlessly integrated into each sculpture, sometimes as happy accidents, but mostly through deliberate design.
Instagram: @carved.by.noel
Website: www.carvedbynoel.com
Contact: 073 2347330
See the collection at mandy2067.wixstudio.com/shells.