Lois Mahoney originally trained as a textile artist, where she was fascinated by the build-up of a piece of cloth, often starting with a single thread, which became a cloth of individual character, evoking a depth of emotion, story and memory. This layering and the ensuing development of 3D shape inevitably led her to the world of ceramics and hand building, and a return to her love of 3D work.
There are many similarities between the two fields. Textiles tends to be a slow and considered art, often dependent upon fine details, and pattern. This is evident in Lois’s hand-built ceramics. The roller coaster of apprehension involved in the dying and glazing processes, is similarly felt – be it delight or disappointment.
Lois has always placed a strong emphasis on form, line, structure, texture, and mark making. However, Lois increasingly recognises that she uses her love of dance and movement to find not only the line, but the feelings and emotions she is wanting to convey. Just the movement or shape of an arm, a leg, or neck can inspire a new creation. Lois can often be seen adopting a pose, or dancing about her studio, frequently preferring to use a drawing to explain and express her thoughts and ideas.
Lois was born and raised in Owslebury, Hampshire, enjoying a rural childhood. To her the lanes, fields and woods were a playground, where imaginary worlds existed, and are still known to this day by her family as “Fairyland” and “The Enchanted Place”. This imagery is evident in Lois’s whimsical, playful characters.