The Lost and Left Behind

The Lost and the Left Behind’ explores connections and memories that are accumulated, embellished, diminished, and sometimes lost and even rediscovered over time.

Whilst the work represents and honours our collective heritage, our ancestors, and those who have come before us, we are also invited to view ourselves with the same curiosity and reverence as those we hold dear. What if we were to create/recreate (and even imagine!) stories that are familiar and celebrate our uniqueness - to connect with ourselves, our memories, and our human experience?

Scotland-born artist Gillian Lee Smith explores the lost and found, connection and heritage and the past and how it has shaped us. Previously working as a Reminiscence worker with older people, there is a fascination with our own personal stories where the seemingly ordinary is made extraordinary. Originally completing a degree in Performance Costume from Edinburgh College of Art, Gillian graduated in 2005 and has rooted her practice in drawing and painting ever since, exhibiting locally and nationally. Living in Northumberland for the past decade, Gillian has found a great deal of inspiration in the people, industry, and landscape of our local area.