Nicola Turner

Artist statement

Nicola’s sculpture is strongly focussed around how we can live in more sustainable ways in the context of a climate emergency. She uses waste such as discarded furniture and dead materials like horsehair and coir which slowly degrade over time. These are transformed into abstract forms that are placed in a landscape or in relation to a building. Her sculptures challenge our thinking about our relationship with the natural world, our built environment and the relationships we have with both and with each other. Nicola reflects on people’s reaction to her work, “I am fascinated by how different people bring their own experiences to my sculpture. Some feel disgust, some are moved to tears. Some share their stories that my pieces provoke, some are stories of trauma.”

Making a mid-career change of this kind is not easy. In 2023, Nicola decided to downsize her home and use the proceeds to buy a disused industrial unit in Bath. This has been transformed into seven artists’ studios spaces, including one for Nicola herself. The new Space called FORM-ica is now an independent collective of artists and will be hosting events in 2024 and beyond.

As to what the future may hold, Nicola exhibited her work at three London shows in the autumn and hopes similar opportunities will be available this year. A grant won from Arts Council England, is allowing her to explore documenting her large scale works as prints for sale.

Delivery

If purchased, the artist will install the work in response to the site of the buyer. Overseas sales (exports) may be subject to restrictions and additional fees, which are the responsibility of the buyer.