Lizanne van Essen

My work includes a variety of media including collage, paint, textiles, printmaking and book art.  The images are sometimes representational sometimes abstracted, and emphasise line, form and colour.

The sculptural books evolved from a delight in pure form, with the play of light creating shadows and volume.  I was excited by the combination of delicate detail and strength, and of simplicity and complexity – also by the surprise element created when the flat book covers opened to reveal sculptural forms.  Sometimes I like to combine images and words and colour, fracturing them with cuts, but at other times I like to emphasise the geometry and symmetry of monochrome abstract sculpture.

I exhibit both in the UK and abroad, make illustrations, paintings and artist’s books on commission, and I run workshops for adults and children in pop ups,  making simple books and making altered books.