Layers Unfolding: From Studio to Shoreditch
Posted on Apr 13, 2026This year has unfolded with a growing sense of momentum, through selected exhibitions, new gallery representation, and opportunities to share both my work and voice more widely in London and Nationwide.
Recent and current exhibitions have placed my sculptures alongside a diverse range of artists, including the greats Tracey Emin, Francis Bacon and Roy Lichtenstein (most unexpected!), with an imminent exhibition and ceramics festival, and further exhibitions and Art Fairs, continuing to expand as the year evolves.
Alongside this, I’ve been invited for interviews and features that reflect not only my work but the ideas and experiences that shape it. I’m also pleased to have been proposed and accepted to exhibit at the RBSA Candidacy Exhibition, an important step in my and the other exhibitors’ professional development.
In a different context, a black and white photography portrait of me in my professional capacity as a sculptor, captured so brilliantly by Gregory Day as part of his Artists series, Chapter 2: COSMOPOLIS, followed by my work, will appear for one day on a London billboard in Shoreditch, an unfamiliar but meaningful shift from making the work to being seen as the face behind it.
Exhibitions & Early Highlights
This year has begun with strong, encouraging momentum, exhibiting at RBSA, Zebra One Gallery, Hampstead, London, Shipston Gallery, Cotswolds, Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum and the imminent Sheffield Ceramic Festival.
Women in Art Selected Group Exhibition, London
In March, I was invited to exhibit at Zebra One Gallery in Hampstead, London, by Gabrielle Du Ploy, the incredible force behind Women in Art, as part of a selected group exhibition, celebrating International Women’s Day with a new sculpture, Ophelia Rising. Rewritten and a Zebra sculpture, Blurred Lines #1, to honour the Gallery’s name, and its rich history in Hampstead, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is wonderfully positioned in the gallery window.
Women in Art Group exhibiting Artists: Gwenda Jones, Lorien Haynes, Alexa Harris, Lucie Flyn, Tracy Bickley, Karin Jolly, Catrina Diaz, Amy Elizabeth Wolo, Lara Julian. It was so good to meet and chat with all the talented and diverse artists, a tribute to the agency of Women in Art and Gabrielle Du Ploy for inviting us all to exhibit together.
It was a privilege to share window space after the group exhibition alongside works by Tracey Emin, Francis Bacon and Roy Lichtenstein. These inspiring and memorable moments reflect the evolving reach of my practice and how Women in Art continue to support artists, far beyond the prize.
The wonderful Andy Delany was capturing ghostly video footage of the evening- I really enjoyed our music film chats from his days at the start of MTV music videos in the 80’s, my photo/ad styling days and talking art, life and coffee with Pepita Coffee founder Andreas Puentes, and joined later by Alejandro in his very stylish jacket. Such unexpected conversations are what make private views so captivating. The evening was so well attended, and guests spilled out into the mews on such an enjoyable barmy night.
Video credits Andy Delany: https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18193208983357713
FOR WOMEN BY WOMEN VI Selected Open Exhibition, Oxford
Also in celebration of International Women’s Day, I am exhibiting Terra Volcana with Ronapainting Gallery in Oxford (5th March – 25th April) in FOR WOMEN BY WOMEN VI selected open, and so fitting to attend the Private view with my daughter, niece and family friend, all incredible women, to celebrate this special occasion so close to my childhood home. So well attended and I hope you get the chance to visit this gem of a gallery and its wonderful art in the vibrant Jericho in central Oxford. There are some very nice restaurants and bars close by!
Leamington Open 26, Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum
Leamington Open 26 (February until 3rd May), where my equine sculpture responds to the energy and symbolism of the Year of the Fire Horse, was a great evening and conversations with Birmingham Artists Shaun Morris, Brian Prangle, Marta Pieroni and Paul Seven and the wonderful winning artist Paul Anthony Golby, Coventry based artist who I have exhibited with before at RBSA, and Guy Chapman, who I was exhibiting next to at Leamington ( no magnifying glass this time for close up detail!). Each exhibition continues to open up new conversations, future opportunities and insight into artists’ inspiration and shared experiences with audiences and the art world. It’s good to talk!
In Conversation: Interviews & Features
Recent interviews have offered an opportunity to reflect more deeply on my creative process and the ideas that underpin my work.
I was pleased to be featured in The Flux Review as part of the Women In Art Group Exhibition at Zebraone Gallery, London, sharing insight into my sculptural practice, influences, and ongoing exploration of identity, agency, nature, and resilience. The Q&A really make you think about how your practice has evolved and the direction you want to take it. A good reflective exercise in itself every few months! A section of the Q&A:
I also took part in ongoing Artvox London interviews since the Women in Art Prize Exhibition in Marylebone last year, and at WIA group exhibition at Zebra One Gallery, and whilst attending Bianca Raffaella Solo Exhibition, Women in Art Prize 2025 Winner, at the Art Academy, London, introduced and hosted by Sue Spaull, Director of Programmes. A well-attended evening with WIA judges and finalists to at catch up with,and Matthew Flowers of The Flowers Gallery who now represents Bianca.
The interviews covered many subjects, offering a more personal look into my motivation for sculpture, deadlines and pushing your own boundaries.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DWN8CDKoeqm
Shipston Gallery, Cotswolds
I’m delighted to share that I am now represented by another gallery, the Shipston Gallery, Shipston-on-Stour, in the Cotswolds, marking more exciting steps forward in my practice in February, with this wonderful Gallery located in an area rich in agriculture, heritage and art.
It feels like a natural fit, placing my work within a landscape so deeply connected to nature, animals, and the environment, close to where I grew up and visited as a child.
To be represented by this gallery with many artists and sculptors I know and respect, and the recent collaboration with Panter & Hall, made for a wonderful Private View. Thank you, Sophy, for your hospitality and your curation. My favourite work, amongst so many memorable pieces, was the powerful monotone pastel and collage “Alana Small Head Study” by Mark Demsteader.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Exhibitions & Festival
There are several exciting exhibitions and events I will be exhibiting in, coming up throughout the year:
- RBSA Candidacy Exhibition, 16th April -2nd May, 4 Brook St, Birmingham B3 1SA
- Sheffield Ceramics Festival, 18th–19th April, Kelham Island Museum, Alma St, Sheffield S3 8RY
- Association of Animal Artists Spring Exhibition, 30 April–28 May, Rose Patterson Gallery, Weston Park, Weston-under-Lizard, Shifnal TF11 8LE
- Potfest in the Pens, Melton Mowbray – 30 October–1 November, Melton Mowbray LE13 1JY
- Manchester Art Fair (with The Sculpture Gallery) – 19–22 November, Manchester
Alongside these, I will be exhibiting throughout the year at independent galleries across Staffordshire, Yorkshire and the Cotswolds.
In the Studio & Beyond
Alongside exhibitions, my practice continues to be shaped by constant making and regular life-sculpting sessions, including work with the Society of Equine Artists, time spent at the studio, and art community. These moments of observation and shared making are vital in developing both technique, expression, positive critique and extended communities.
Visiting exhibitions in many different media and collaborations across art, sculpture, ballet and theatre, looking through inspiring sketchbooks, and connecting with other artists help shape my experiences, which continue to inform and inspire new directions in my work.
Looking Forward
This spring feels like a period of growth—not only in opportunities, but in depth of practice and connection. There is a strong sense of momentum building, and I look forward to sharing more as the year unfolds.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support—whether through visiting exhibitions, following my work, or being part of the wider creative community.
To enquire about group workshop, family, friends or individual clay sculpture sessions, please email to discuss your requirements. https://gwendajonessculpture.co.uk/contact/
For current stories, video content, reels and further images of what I’ve been up to, please visit my Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/gwenda_jones_sculpture
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