Alternative Worlds

Lucy Rendle is a self-taught mixed media creative from the Midlands, UK. Lucy's artworks instantly transport you to another place, seamlessly blending a wide range of influences like music, films and literature, to more abstract concepts like spiritualism and astrology.

Each piece is a beautifully crafted layered landscape, designed with primary and secondary photographs, drawings, and textured papers. Her art aims to have a universal appeal, combining aesthetically pleasing images with a strong narrative and deep symbolic meaning.

We spoke with Lucy to learn more about her life and her work.

Why do you create?

Creativity is my passion. Since I was a child I have drawn and painted, always creating a mess. I made theatre sets out of cardbord boxes, using my imagination to create alternative worlds.




I was inspired by my grandmother, who painted herself. As a child it was therapeutic, but as I matured I wanted to explore the more political side of art as a medium. How art can be used as a tool to promote values that I hold close to my heart, such as anti-racism, anti-fashionism and feminist values, which have developed into showing my support for LGBT communities.

I use art as a source to voice my thoughts, but I also love to create to escape into a world inside my head then project this world into digital and physical collages.

How and where do you work?

I currently work from home daily, as I am seeking out studio space. I try to find inspiration from the vast collection of art history books I have. Sometimes I just clear my mind completely and use my imagination to create a piece. A day involves a coffee, some yoga to clear my head and then I set to work. I use music in the background, as this can affect what I do.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Music inspires me, especially punk or new wave. I like music that fights the norm and I try to do this in my artwork. Films also inspire my art, especially avant-garde cinema. My more recent works have a spiritual element, where I have explored the meaning of healing through crystals and alternative therapy. Also astrology and how we are connected on many levels.




I also create by observing the world around me, which can spark creativity and lead to new ideas. But it's about the desire for connection too: Creating for me personally is a way to connect on many different levels, often drawing inspiration from my own surroundings, including nature, society, culture, and personal experiences.

So many artists have inspired me, from Grayson Perry and Tracey Emin to Francis Bacon, but there are also many current artists and friends who are creative that inspire me. Many of them are at the Shambles Fine Art Gallery.

Where do you sell your art?

I sell my art at Shambles Fine Art Gallery in Worcester, The Fold monthly artisan market in Bransford and online through my website, Papercut Moon.

How do you promote yourself and your work?

Art markets are a great way to promote artwork, a useful way to network and they can lead to commissions and collaborations. Gallery representation or being part of an art society can work well too. Being part of an art society can also help you to build a support network.

What are your future ambitions?

I would like to take time out to travel and gain inspiration from other cultures. I'd also like to gain further knowledge and understanding of how art is represented worldwide.

Do you have any advice for other artists?

It may sound a little corny, but follow your heart and soul. Yes, you need to be business-like and make a living, but alternatively if you do not follow your path using your intuition and passion this will show in what you do.


Many thanks to Lucy Rendle for answering our questions. If you'd like to see more of Lucy's work, you can visit her website or follow her latest updates on Instagram.