Emotional Landscapes

The artworks of Lesley McInally

Lesley McInally: Orchestral Landscapes

There are multiple, concurrent truths evident in Lesley McInally's works. While she is expressing and producing beauty and nature within her art, there are underlying themes of fragility, anxiety, death and grief.

Many artists have paradoxes in their works, which critically shape how we consume art. These should be embraced and not shied away from, as they are all part of our existence. One of the principal values of art is to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the human condition by posing a question: how can we recognise pure joy if we have no comprehension of loss?

Lesley's ceramics are inspired by Expressionism, a telling influence. It is a modern movement originating in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century. The goal of Expressionist artists was to project a subjective perspective of their subject while evoking an emotional response.

Lesley McInally: Evening Glow of Winter Sun

The most notable artists that spring to mind when viewing her works are Edvard Munch and Vincent van Gogh, with their colourful, fragmented skies, dramatic seascapes and landscapes. Particularly, Edvard Munch's 'The Scream' and 'Anxiety' paintings. Also, Vincent's 'Starry Night' and 'The Red Vineyard' — the latter being the only painting of his which sold during his lifetime. Both of those artists' lives were overshadowed by mental illness or the fear of it. Edvard's works are more poignant in their portrayal of human states of heartbreak, sorrow, despair, and depression. Whereas Vincent's work depicts more optimistic and uplifting scenes. Could this be his way of projecting hope and positivity to find peace in himself, and by giving happiness to others?

In contrast, Lesley's works examine the relationships between the natural landscape and ancient, abandoned stone structures that have been transformed over time by the force of the elements and generations of human contact and interaction. With each landscape series, she captures a deep emotional response to time, erosion, seasons and prose. With a strong use of colour and an emphasis on surface textures, she aims to evoke dramatic seascapes, landscapes, and sunsets.

Lesley McInally: Orchestral Landscape Dusk

Lesley says—

“I have often experienced my surrounding landscapes as an orchestral concert for the eyes. Each piece tells its own story and often takes the viewer on a nostalgic journey where one's senses and dreams cohere.”

Another significant feature of her pieces is the inclusion of a red dot. The red dot can be symbolic of blood. Like blood, it is life-sustaining and the flow of life. It is linked to the family ties and heritage. What started as a focal point for her work has evolved to have a much deeper meaning. She now considers this to be her maker's mark/signature.

Lesley's work employs numerous layers, each imbued with messages. Some of these will be about the challenges we will inevitably encounter, whereas others will be about beauty, optimism, and hope - such are the contradictions we hold within us all. Together with the vessel nature of her pieces, she ponders how they will be held and how they will be filled—questions that we are confronted with throughout our lives.

Lesley McInally: Mind Field Vessel