Stephanie Sandercock creates textured paintings and 3D work inspired by details in the Cornish coastal rocks. She uses limestone and marble plaster, acrylic and muscovite on aluminium, rusted steel and wood.

Her paintings can be found in the Penwith Gallery, St. Ives Society, Thompson’s Gallery London and in her St. Ives studio at Whites Old Workshops, Porthmeor Road, St. Ives, Cornwall TR26 1NP.

Sandercock’s paintings have a mysterious force within them, perhaps mirroring the artist’s sense of being deeply grounded as she ‘plugs into the energy of the rock’. Lines and curves can be seen like pathways across ploughed fields, edges of boats in the harbour or village lights in the distance. Immersed in her local environment, she captures the energy of the area by building layers of plaster and paint which she sands down giving a highly textured feel.

Artist’s Statement

“I begin each new piece with a plan based on the form of the coastal rock but sometimes other elements sneak in, like a Cornish hedge, harbour wall, turning tide or shapes of seaweed. Creating textures with plaster is one of my favourite things and I like to layer paint and later sand it down to reveal surprising patterns.

Using natural muscovite crystals to reflect the light adds a magical element and like a mystery unravelling before my eyes the process takes me to unimagined places. There’s an aliveness that can’t be measured as each piece reveals itself and this gives me a sense of playfulness and freedom.” 

St. Ives Times & Echo – December 2018  ‘Godolphin To The Sea’

“Many will remember her first, Gwithian Rocks, held there two years ago, acclaimed at the time as a promising debut, the works in her current show more than fulfil that promise, and should not be missed.

In every sense this is an impressive show. As appealing as it is accomplished.”

– Frank Ruhrmund.

St. Ives Times & Echo – July 2022  ‘Alchemy’

“Her deep closeness to these rocks, particularly those along the shore at Gwithian, was such that she felt compelled to paint them, and so successfully it led her to being elected as a full member of the Penwith Society of Arts in St. Ives, earlier this year.

Her fourth solo show Alchemy, held in the Studio Gallery within the Penwith Gallery. One of the meanings of the title she has given her solo show is ‘a miraculous transformation’, and although she doesn’t change the base metals she uses in her work into actual gold, she comes close to doing so.

It’s safe to add that most viewers will be happy to accompany her on her journey. From Wild Ideas and Tiger Iron to Evening Clarity and Magnetic Field her three-dimensional, semi-sculptural compositions are as accomplished and appealing as they are impressive and highly individual. Well worth a visit.”

– Frank Ruhrmund.

Memberships

  • PSA Full membership (2022)
  • STISA (2020)
  • Thompson’s Galleries London

Solo Exhibitions – The Penwith Gallery, St. Ives

2016 – Gwithian Rocks
2018 – Godolphin To The Sea
2020 – Hayle To Halzephron
2022 – Alchemy

Joint Exhibitions

2022

  • The Penwith Gallery Member’s Exhibitions
  • Thompson’s Galleries London – ‘Cornish Perspectives’
  • STISA Member’s Exhibition
  • The Crypt – joint exhibition St. Ives
  • Thompson’s Galleries London – ‘The Autumn Picture Show’

2021

  • Associates Exhibitions – Penwith Gallery
  • ‘GOD IS…’ Chaiya Art Awards Winners Exhibition. OXO Tower London
  • STISA Member’s Exhibition
  • Enys House, Falmouth
  • The Crypt – joint exhibition St. Ives

2020

  • IMPACT Exhibition, Chaiya Art Awards. London
  • Associates Exhibitions – Penwith Gallery
  • STISA Member’s Exhibition

2019

  • Associates Exhibitions – Penwith Gallery
  • Enys House, Falmouth.
  • Open Studios Cornwall.
  • Coast Colour Canvas, The Lizard
  • Polpeor, Lizard Point.
  • STISA Open Exhibition

2018

  • Associates Exhibitions – Penwith Gallery

2016 – 17

  • Art Nou Millenni Barcelona
  • Brick Lane London
  • Associates Exhibitions – Penwith Gallery