“The Eye of the Beholder”

paintings by Pauline Ashton & sculpture by Michael Hipkins

Michael and Pauline married in 1970 and have shared a lifelong passion for looking at, and collecting art. After both retired from education, Michael diversified from painting into sculpture while Pauline started to take an experimental approach with her own work.

The exhibition is dedicated to the memory of Pauline’s grandparents Ted and Elsie Ashton who have been a great inspiration in the way they weathered the many ups and downs they experienced in life. They both loved Lytham and Ted published a book on its history.

MICHAEL’s Statement

I am fascinated by observing natural form and I try to express it in my sculpture, not by replicating it, but rather using the medium to determine the interpretation. The image goes hand in hand with the medium so that it expresses the poetic spirit of the sculpture. The stone used must dictate the final image to reflect the truth of the materials used.

PAULINE’s Statement

I am inspired by the forces of nature whether on land or sea and how these are expressed physically in the landscape, for example after forest fires, volcanic eruptions or tempests.

I have also been very inspired by the work of Eric Ravilious because of his strong sense of design and also Winifred Nicholson because of her expressive use of colour.

I work intuitively from small sketches made en plein air and I work as fast as I can – mainly because I have limited spare time ! I usually know when I must stop because it’s almost as though an inner voice is dictating to me. Creating for me is a very spiritual activity.

Please note the venue is closed on Mondays. Free entry, with donations always welcome