Lizzie Farey


Lizzie Farey is a contemporary willow sculptor and artist based in the Stewartry in Galloway, Scotland. She designs and creates wall sculptures and 3D forms using her own grown and harvested willow, as well as other local woods such as ash, hazel, birch catkins and larch.
Her work is inspired by the natural landscape that surrounds her home and studio, and draws on influences from Japan in her approach to capturing the simplicity, practicality and beauty of the materials.

Early life and education

Farey was born in Singapore in 1962, and trained in fine art and stained glass at Canterbury College of Art and Cardiff College of Art. She turned to basketry in 1991, learning from her sister-in-law in North Wales.

Influences

According to Farey she is influenced by the "hills, lochs, larch and heather" of the Galloway countryside where she lives and works. She is beholden to the cycles of nature, growing willow in nearby farmer's fields and collecting ash and other materials from the hedgerows.

Achievements and commissions

In April 2007 Farey travelled to Japan for the first time which inspired her to start developing her wall pieces.
In 2009, her solo show 'Spirit of Air' opened at the Gracefield Art Centre, Dumfries before touring to Edinburgh, Halifax and the Highlands and Islands.
In July 2010, her commissioned piece 'Aerie' went on display on the third floor of the City Arts Centre, Edinburgh.
In July 2011, her willow light installation 'Heart' went on permanent display in the newly refurbished National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
Also in 2011, Farey was guest artist at the Cheongju International Biennale in South Korea.
Formerly in the Church of the Resurrection, Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbrightshire, The Swallows was commissioned by the Graves family in memory of their parents Christopher and Patricia and installed in 2012. Since this church's closure in 1st February 2020 its present whereabouts is unknown.
Her work also travels to Connecticut U.S.A. where she exhibits regularly with Browngrotta Arts.
Her work The Cutting Edge is in the permanent collection of the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.

Selected exhibitions