Lucie Graham-Smith

BA (Hons) Illustration

Illustration can positively shape our minds, altering fixed ideas by questioning our sense of reality. I create imagery by playing with materials and context, letting an element of chance coax the visual language into life. I use multiple processes such as drawing, painting, collage, animation, and sculpture to explore a theme, often simultaneously. Different techniques offer new threads of thought. I don’t feel my practice culminates in a specific final outcome, but rather suggests a way of seeing, of being. I recognise ambiguity as a distinct force in the work, harnessing it can instigate conversations around the lack of clarity it offers. Play is its partner. By encouraging the viewer to interact with the work, cajoling them to act out unknown scenarios can tickle their imagination. Colour and texture are vital in drawing people to the imagery, joyful combinations can lift the soul.

Nothing ends, much in life is uncertain, but it is crucial to maintain the conversation.


Gall darlunio siapio ein meddyliau mewn ffordd gadarnhaol, gan newid syniadau sefydlog trwy gwestiynu ein hymdeimlad o realiti. Rwy’n creu delweddaeth trwy chwarae gyda deunyddiau a chyd-destun, gan adael i elfen o gyfle meithrin yr iaith weledol yn fyw. Rwy’n defnyddio prosesau lluosog megis darlunio, paentio, gludwaith, animeiddio a cherflunio i ymchwilio i thema, yn aml ar yr un pryd. Mae technegau gwahanol yn cynnig edafedd meddwl newydd. Nid wyf yn gweld bod fy arfer yn dringo i ganlyniad terfynol penodol, yn hytrach mae’n awgrymu ffordd o weld, o fod. Rwy’n cydnabod amwysedd fel grym penodol yn y gwaith, gall harneisio hynny gychwyn trafodaethau ynglŷn â’r diffyg eglurder y mae’n ei gynnig. Chwarae yw ei bartner. Trwy annog y gwyliwr i ryngweithio â’r gwaith, gall darbwyllo nhw i actio sefyllfaoedd anhysbys allan roi hwb bach i’w dychymyg. Mae lliw a gweadedd yn hanfodol wrth ddenu pobl i’r ddelweddaeth, gall cyfuniadau hwyliog godi’r ysbryd.

Does dim byd yn dod i ben, mae llawer mewn bywyd yn ansicr, ond mae’n hollbwysig cynnal y sgwrs.

Other Exhibitors:

Imogen Miles

Imogen Miles

My current project looks into the story of St Dwynwen, a Welsh princess who became a saint- the welsh patron St of Lovers. She is celebrated throughout wales on the 25th of January. I was interested in this story after hearing about St Dwynwens day and doing some...

Katie Andrews

Katie Andrews

Reconnecting and rebuilding our relationship with the natural world is as vital as ever. My illustration practice focuses on creating educational and decorative patterned homeware and giftware products which will inspire people to become more in sync and appreciative...

Monika Jutrzenka Trzebiatowska

Monika Jutrzenka Trzebiatowska

My project is a response to a brief inspired by the Apila’s First Printing Award 2022. The aim was to create a fully illustrated children’s book based on a story of my choice – ‘The Frog Princess’ by A. J. Gliński. I wanted to combine the Polish culture with my...

Ellen Richards

Ellen Richards

As ân artist, I am particularly interested in creating work which explores subjects which are tailored to a certain demographic. The topics are relevant and meaningful to a specific individual, whether it be something they have experienced in their past or are...

Polly Allburn

Polly Allburn

My illustration work has culminated in an experimental assortment of objects that communicate the interconnected relationship between parent and child. Breaking down the power dynamic and allowing for a collaborative experience where parents can empathise with their...

Thalia Dougourou

Thalia Dougourou

Using both visual and lexical storytelling, I explore African history and culture while investigating its absence in the learning of young black students. Growing up in the UK, I became aware that the black history being taught in schools did not go beyond slavery,...