INTERTWINE | 2024
Intertwined is a collection of work that encapsulates the interplay between old and new, merging the ancient craft of weaving with contemporary 3D ceramic printing technology. Each piece in the collection begins with failed 3D-printed ceramic structures from Staffordshire University, objects once destined for landfill, now given new life through artistic intervention. The vessels, with their natural clay tones, provide a stark, earthy contrast to the vibrant hues of scrap cotton threads used in the weaving process. This juxtaposition not only highlights the visual contrast between the bright threads and muted ceramics but also emphasises the tactile differences between the hard, brittle nature of fired clay and the soft, flexible threads. The colour palette of the threads is left to chance, dictated by the availability of scrap materials, which adds an element of unpredictability and uniqueness to each creation.
Relume | 2023
‘Relume' visualises the resilience of nature, whilst highlighting the battle between urban decay and organic reclamation. At first glance, the artwork appears as an old neon sign, reminiscent of bustling city nights. However, upon closer inspection, the sign is overtaken by greenery, symbolising nature's ability to rewild even the most industrial spaces. Lorna contrasts man made waste materials with natural ones, echoing the tension between urban development and the environment. Her use of traditional textile techniques weave together the old and the new, the natural and the synthetic, demonstrating nature's persistent drive to flourish against all odds
STAGNANT | 2023
"Stagnant" is a poignant sculpture, part of a series of work exploring uninhabited spaces and nature's enduring persistence. In this piece, secondhand teacups and saucers are artfully stacked, hinting at bygone gatherings and the passage of time. One cup lies fractured, a reminder of the absence of hands to mend it. Yet, from this scene of abandonment emerges a vivid tableau of life. The moss, meticulously handcrafted using excess yarn and fibres, creeps and sprawls with organic abandon. Each stitch captures nature's silent reclamation, reminding viewers of the delicate balance between human activity and the environment.
THERE’S PLENTY OF PLASTIC IN THE SEA | 2023
'There's plenty of plastic in the sea' is a vibrant piece by Lorna Ellen that uses waste materials to address ocean plastic pollution. The artwork features a large jellyfish made from plastic bottles and crisp packets, emphasizing the beauty of marine life and the harmful effects of plastic waste. Lorna's work encourages viewers to reconsider their relationship with plastic and recognize their responsibility to reduce consumption for a sustainable future.
PLASTIC TSUNAMI | 2023
Plastic Tsunami' is a miniature sculpture by Lorna Ellen, ingeniously crafted from a single waste plastic bottle that has been dyed and transformed using heat. The piece was prominently featured in the Dolls House Art Gallery's exhibition 'In a New Light', which coincided with the 2023 Barnaby Festival's theme. Through 'Plastic Tsunami', Lorna aims to highlight the pervasive issue of plastic pollution in our oceans, hoping to stir awareness and inspire action for cleaner and healthier marine ecosystems.
REMAINS | 2023
'Remains' is a sculpture crafted primarily from waste cardboard packaging, representing a tree stump to underscore the consequences of human overconsumption and deforestation. The artwork invites viewers to reflect on their relationship with consumption and waste, using the ubiquitous material of cardboard to emphasize the importance of creative reuse. The tree stump symbolizes the loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction resulting from our actions.
THE SEA RUNS RED | 2022
Titled 'The Sea Runs Red,' this crochet-based sculpture confronts the controversial annual dolphin hunts in Taiji, Japan, by visualizing the number of dolphins captured or killed during the 2020-2021 hunting seasons. The artwork serves as a stark reminder of the impact of human activities on marine life, highlighting the staggering loss of 1,814 dolphins' lives or freedom between September 2020 and March 2023. Through this thought-provoking piece, Lorna emphasizes the urgent need for action to protect our oceans and their inhabitants.
WASTED CITIES | 2020
Crafted from excess and waste materials, including metal and yarn, Lorna Ellen's striking sculpture 'Wasted Cities' highlights nature's transformative power and potential for regeneration in devastated environments. Inspired by the re-wilding process in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, the artwork prompts viewers to contemplate their impact on the environment and envision a more sustainable future, even in polluted urban spaces.