Sarah Lester Solo show

Etched in the memory, Cornwall’s vast tapestry of land and seascapes are woven into the very fabric of Sarah’s life. What Lies Beneath isn’t just a literal reflection, but also what lies deep within her. She has sold domestically and internationally in a career spanning three decades; Sarah’s often explosive style sets her apart from many of her contemporaries.

The under layers that are normally hidden are revealed. Copper and tin, so evocative of Cornish mines are used to almost back light each work. The coal blackness of the outside edge of the frames reflect the dark brooding coastal rocks, contrasting with the natural oak to the front. These paintings are predominantly created from memory, giving them an immediacy and emotional quality that could only come from Sarah Lester.

In order to reveal hidden colours and textures in a compelling and way Sarah came up with a unique process. Each painting has five or more paint layers, the hidden layers only revealed later. Her aim is to reveal hidden colours in the rocks, the sea and the sky, exposing their very spirit. Once the composition and layers are complete she works with a sander. It’s hard physical work but has a wonderful way of producing ‘happy accidents’ and colour accents.

She uses her hands, sponges and the occasional paint brush moving quickly across the image. She wants it to be instinctive and from her very ‘memory’.