Circles and Squares by Gill Hickman

About

For Gill Hickman the very act of creating these works can be seen as a meditation in itself. The layers in the works are mirrored in the many processes involved in making each piece. Each stage of the process requires a meditative presence and focus: the folding and hand-tearing of the paper using a book-binder’s bone knife, the preparation of the special acid-free glue and the delicate application of the gold leaf. 

Gill enjoys every stage of the process and the simple geometric shapes (circles and squares) she uses communicate a powerful sense of balance and wellbeing. Collectors describe her works as “calming” and “uplifting".

In addition to circles and squares, Hickman also creates unique free form pieces, in which a textured meandering line traces a path or journey across a coloured paper background.

Gill chooses special materials for her work including 24 carat gold leaf, fine mulberry papers from Thailand and Japan and richly textured hand-made cotton papers from France. Each artwork combines these papers in unique ways and is individually embellished with gold, silver or aluminium highlights.

As well as works made with paper, this exhibition includes a large one-off embossed glass piece titled “Wobbly Inside”. This striking piece was made from recycled bottles and jars saved from land-fill that were then crushed and re-fired. At 75 cm square and weighing over 8 kg, this piece created a stir when shown at Grand Design Live earlier this year. 

Gill has been working as a professional artist since 1997. She is based in South East London and draws inspiration from textures and patterns she observes in her environment and from her daily meditation practice. Gill is also the Artist Director of Skylark Galleries London. 

In addition to being at Skylark Galleries 2 for a special Late Opening to meet visitors and talk about her work on Thursday 4th October 6-8pm, Gill will also be at Skylark Galleries 2 on Friday 5th October 11am to 6pm. All welcome.