Sculpted by Lifestyle by Lee Nelms

This exhibition reimagines the seven sins through an unapologetically Australian lens – less moral judgement, and more reflection on how culture, habit and circumstance shape behaviour. The works are presented as “before” pieces capturing raw, unfiltered visages, and seven amplified “after” pieces that explore what those behaviours become when shaped by experience, behaviour, consequence and time. Hand-built and altered wheel-thrown forms carry expressive marks and creature-like features, embodying flaws, humour and vulnerability. These pieces ask how lifestyle sculpts us – and how we, in turn, sculpt our own narratives.

About the artist: Lee Nelms creates ceramic works that are quirky, character-driven, and often subtly distorted, sitting at the intersection of past and present. Each form emerges from personal experiences and the emotions attached to them, allowing her hands to speak where words cannot. Fascinated by the human face and sculptural expression, she continues to refine a practice that blends emotional resonance with playful physicality. Lee works across hand-building and altered wheel-thrown techniques, using a range of clays fired in electric, oil, and wood kilns. Her work has been exhibited in a group exhibition and recognised through an Emerging Makers Award and exhibition. She has also been stocked at Feldmark Winter Gallery in Cooma, contributing to the growing public presence of her work.

About Craft + Design Canberra: Craft + Design Canberra is a not-for-profit membership-based organisation supporting artists, craft practitioners, designers and makers at every stage of their careers. We promote and celebrate excellence and innovation in contemporary craft in everything we do in our retail space, exhibition gallery, public membership program, events and throughout our biennial Craft + Design Canberra Festival.

Accessibility at the Venue: The space is accessible via one flight of stair, with lift access available from the ground-floor foyer for those who cannot use stairs. Craft + Design Canberra is an LGBTIQA+ friendly venue.