Cecile Johnson Soliz FRSS and Jacqui Poncelet FRSS In Conversation

Introducing Material Encounters, a new online series of talks presented by independent curator and cultural producer Isabel de Vasconcellos. Each conversation pairs two Fellows of the Society and invites them to zoom in on a shared element of their practice: to unpack how they work with a particular material or process, exploring what draws them to it and how it has come to define their sculptural language. 

For our inaugural conversation on Wednesday 25 February, we are pleased to have Cecile Johnson Soliz FRSS and Jacqui Poncelet FRSS so click on the link to register and join!

Cecile Johnson Soliz FRSS

Cecile is enamoured with drawing and sculpture. She uses a variety of materials and processes in her studio while also initiating projects in industry, craft, design, music and dance. The studio and project works are in continual conversation. They inform, enrich and challenge each other. Cecile lives in Cardiff, Wales. She works in her studio in the city centre and regularly travels to the Continent, the US and throughout the UK.

Jacqui Poncelet FRSS

'From the beginning I have been drawn to pattern and colour with my interest in form coming later but now, quite clearly, of equal importance. I studied ceramics initially and worked exclusively in clay until the mid 80's when I realised that it was important to start working with other materials as well as clay. Since then it has been increasingly difficult to define me as an artist. I have made sculpture, paintings and installations and collaborated with other artists; I have also curated exhibitions and worked on public commissions both large and small. Throughout my work I have tried to embrace the visual complexity of the world around me. Rather than being overwhelming, I see this complexity as both positive and exciting, something that enriches our lives.' 

Isabel de Vasconcellos is an independent curator and cultural producer, with extensive experience collaborating with artists and visual arts organisations to realise world-class public commissions and exhibitions. She writes on contemporary art, photography and design, and is the author of Fourth Plinth: How London Created the Smallest Sculpture Park in the World.