introducing... Sonja Benskin Mesher RCA UA

Left Bank: so, first of all Sonja, welcome to ADVENTurous - we're really excited to have you onboard for the Leeds exhibition. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your work?

Sonja Benskin-Mesher: What to say? 

I live here in Wales, now having moved from the South about 20 years ago. Family moved here too, and we enjoy the landscape and people, our tribe.

Here, I found the confidence to work with art, and have continued to do so, full time for 15 years.

My work changes with life patterns, and issues, and I utilise whatever comes to hand to convey ideas.

Work practice involves writing, painting, drawing, light based media, installations etc.

I make of things what I will, and show work regularly in this country and abroad.

LB: I'm interested that you used the word 'tribe' - I'm wondering if that sense of belonging is something that Engedi might provide? [I think sense of community is something that gav is keen to nurture...]

SBM: Yes, I see I use those words, tribes and families, This slipped out intuitively while writing. Reflecting, this does apply to my experience with Engedi . I have found friendship, support and like minded people.

Collaboration works.

LB: You exhibited in the Engedi Easter show in Colwyn Bay... i'm wondering how you came to be involved with that project?

SBM: Initially Alan* contacted me requesting names of artists I thought may be interested, then after listing colleagues names, I added mine. I like a brief that creates debate and dialogue within an art practice, whatever  the belief. It stretches thought and the content of the work.

LB: I'm also interested to talk to you about the work that you're showing in the leftbank ADVENTurous show... it's a really intriguing effect that you get with the scanning of the dolls - i'm wondering how you came to make those pieces...?

SBM: My dolls.The fascination started years ago, and fired up when I saw the two in the antiques market. Besotted, I bought them, played with, and photographed them.

The images here, were made for the exhibition, Modern Madonnas, at St George’s Church in Esher. 

I place dolls in human situations, and let the onlooker make of it what they will. I have interesting responses. It is time consuming, and thought provoking. I like scanning, but when asked by a curator for higher resolution I found that

:: high resolution ::

can spoil the picture,

the tenderness.

some times things

are best left alone.

yesterday, i saw a man who

liked horses.

i saw a plane fly over.

http://www.sonja-benskin-mesher.com/


(*Alan Whitfield,  one of the first members of the Engedi tribe)