“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s mind there are few.” Shunryu Suzuki
A beginner’s mindset means having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions, just as a beginner would. It’s an inclination to periodically question and reassess your deeply held values, principles, beliefs, assumptions and perceptions.
In this exhibition Vinicius introduces a series of sketches, paintings and ceramics showcasing his deep connection with nature and his contemplative approach towards it. Through this cycle of works, he invites the viewer to see beyond their preconceived notions of seeing nature and explore the endless possibilities that lie within the natural world. The changing landscapes of 2D paintings and 3D ceramics offers a fresh perspective, encouraging to view nature in a new light.
The exhibition is a celebration of art that transcends traditional boundaries and explores the limitless possibilities of expression through various mediums. A common element in all the artworks is balancing chaos and control during creation and within the final result. The sketch-like drawings are focused on exploring various textures by repeated mark-making techniques, creating forms that can either be the beginnings of new works or stand-alone pieces. These artworks are characterised by their playful, abstracted shapes that reveal Vinicius’ spontaneity in his creative process. On the paintings, layers of colours are juxtaposed to create a vivid landscape of a past memory.
From the gestural brushstrokes of the canvases to the intricate details on the ceramics, each piece is a unique manifestation of his creative vision in relation to nature. The ceramic pieces are the result of a peaceful and meditative process, incorporating the versatility of clay and its aptitude for adapting to any form or texture and where every individual surface detail is meticulously added one after the other. This technique results in unexpected arrangements of repeated structures that create unique and captivating forms.
Vinicius Les is a London based artist and educator. He co-founded Colour and Clay Studio an inclusive pottery, ceramic, and art studio in Harrow and he is a resident artist at Horatio’s Garden London & South East. He holds a BA in Painting from The West University of Timișoara, Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Romania and has been introduced to the craft of pottery and ceramics by his father from a young age.
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