Lizzie Hill is concerned with the way in which humanity interacts with its environment. Over the last few years this concern has been largely expressed through the exploration of the Anthropocene via the weaving of waste materials into layered, anthropomorphic forms. Visually emulating the pattern and colours of geological strata, the work celebrates the resilience, innovation and beauty of man-made materials, but raises questions about the value we place on these substances and the impact they have on our planet. The work opens a dialogue about humanity’s relationship with the material world and its long-term consequences.

The process of weaving is by nature slow and meticulous, echoing the gradual transformation of sedimentary rock formation. The artist starts this process by siphoning off bits of her own domestic rubbish. Selected for their interesting colour, texture and strength, these scraps are then cleaned, cut and twisted into useable fibres. Alluding to fabled tales of weavers spinning straw into golden thread, the artist transforms bags and baked bean wrappers into beautiful weaving materials. These threads are then layered up like strata on a wire frame. The final stage is to take these 2D tapestries and manipulate them into densely woven sculptures. Bodily in form and scale, these works make abstract visual references to both geological core samples and dancing human figures.

Lizzie is interested in creating a sense of precariousness and fragility with her work which reflects the complex and often strained relationship we have with our environment.