Monk by Bill Lazard
Landscape VII by Bill Lazard
My encounter with the visual arts properly began when I was 13 years old when I joined Camberwell Art School. There I studied for my intermediate exam in Arts and Crafts which included sculpture. The focus of my later NDD was painting. However sculpture still figured prominently in my life.
On leaving Camberwell I got a job as a technician in the Sculpture Department at the Royal College where I gained valuable experience in Bernard Meadows’ small bronze foundry.
I was a conscientious objector in the late 50s and was obliged to ‘do’ my national service; it was after this that I became a teacher of Art. Even further down the line I achieved a BA in Design and Technology.
Now in my 80s I continue to paint and run a weekly adult education art class. For my sculpture I work in clay which results in both resin and bronze finished pieces. I also still produce carved work in wood and stone. My influences include Rodin, Brancusi, Moore, Maillol, Giacometti and Gill. My real passion though is for the work of David Jones, poet and painter.
My time with the Society has undoubtedly been a rewarding one. Although I now take a back seat and exhibit less often, I like to think that the exposure provided by being part of this creative endeavour has led me to having several of my sculptures on permanent, public display - a high point in anyone’s career. Let’s hope all members of the Society also get these opportunities over the next 25 years!
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Eye by Bill Lazard