Nigel Reid-Foster: painter, sculptor, ceramicist.
I am a painter, sculptor, ceramicist, and maker of curiosities, based on the rugged West Coast of Scotland. Creating has always been fundamental to my being. Some of my earliest memories revolve around transforming everyday materials into something new – at home, at school, wherever inspiration struck. I vividly recall the "explosion box" in my primary school classroom, a treasure trove of discarded mechanical and electrical parts. This chaotic collection, a reward for good behavior, unleashed our imaginations, allowing us to construct fantastical assemblages from its random contents. This experience solidified my inherent drive to build and create.
While my family history leans towards the written word (with three generations of writers preceding me), my creative expression found its outlet in the tangible. Although I received some recognition in school for art and craft, academic life wasn't a good fit. I yearned for the practical and immediate. Leaving school early, I lacked the support to pursue formal art education, my brief time studying graphic design at Glasgow School of Art notwithstanding. Largely self-taught, my artistic journey has been one of continuous learning, experimentation, and development.
My career path took me to Scottish Opera’s set construction and property workshops, where I immersed myself in the diverse craft disciplines of theatrical design. Working alongside highly skilled artisans, I absorbed invaluable practical knowledge. This experience led me to establish a photographic practice specializing in theatrical work.
For many years, creative pursuits took a backseat as family and home life became my priority. Although I never stopped making, it wasn't until some fifteen years later that I could fully dedicate myself to my art.
Three enduring themes weave through my work: typography and text (not for their semantic content, but for their inherent shape and form), the beauty of decay and dereliction (for the textures, forms, and colors they create), and the ever-present influence of the sea.
My artistic practice is in constant flux, exploring new ideas and processes, moving fluidly between mediums. Recent two-dimensional mixed media pieces incorporate elements of discarded materials, found words and symbols, and layered transparent and opaque mediums, interwoven with digital images and collage.
My current explorations in ceramics employ ancient firing techniques. I strive to harness the raw power of flame, smoke, and ash, guiding these primal forces to create unique surface textures and colors. This process allows me to engage with the elemental nature of the materials, pushing the boundaries of control and embracing the unpredictable.
