This month we take a look at a well-loved sculpture from the University's collection, by Janis Ridley, which represents the form of a young female, looking up to the heavens, contemplating the potential of her life.

About the work

This compact bronze figure dating to 2001, standing on an integral bronze plinth, is solid and centred, but just at the limits of comfortable balance.

There is an interplay between the conditions of this world – flesh, metal, gravity and the aspirations and longings that make us look beyond them. In this case literally to the stars.

This work portrays a young woman, starting out in life, perhaps a female student, who looks upwards to the stars for inspiration. The infinity of the stars and heavens represent the possibilities and potential of her life ahead.

The texture of the surface of the sculpture clearly manifests the physical mark-making by the artist's hands in creating the original figure. The bronze is dark in colour and has a subtle patina of verdigris.

Visitors to the University of Exeter Streatham Campus can view ‘Stargazer’ as part of the Sculpture Walk.

Her work integrates her experience of drawing the figure with a deep interest in dance and certain myths. She says of the process of developing her sculptures,

Watch the videos below to find out more about Janis Ridley and her practice:

Find out more about Janis Ridley at: https://www.janisridleysculpture.com/artists.new/default.aspx

Acknowledgements

Janis Ridley https://www.janisridleysculpture.com/artists.new/default.aspx