Interview: Laura and Rachel Lancaster – Remember, Somewhere
Identical twin sisters Laura Lancaster and Rachel Lancaster are embarking on their first major exhibition together; Remember, Somewhere – a series of captivating paintings which invites the viewer to examine the crossovers and contrasts between the two prolific artists’ work.
Hailing from the North East, the sisters share a studio together in Ouseburn. They each have a distinctive, fascinating painting process that explores the breakdown of imagery by recreating them in paint. Chronicling each other’s work, Laura noted: “I would describe Rachel’s work as layered, luminous, intriguing,” and in return Rachel offered: “Laura’s work is process led, intuitive and expressive.”
Delving into their individual practices, Laura relayed her fondness of anonymous, analogue photography and how it informs her work. “The images I use were created at a time when people were more selective about the moments they chose to record as there was a finite amount of shots on the camera film,” she continued: “This lends the images a pathos and sense of coming from the flow of life which I’m drawn to.” Laura carefully wipes away paint in a more spontaneous manner, explaining her process as “very much about action and reaction.”
In juxtaposition, Rachel describes her process as a lot slower by “building up lots of thin layers of paint over time to build up a surface of marks.” Rachel sources imagery from overlooked 80s and 90s films, citing VHS tapes as inspiration which she absorbed growing up. “I deliberately choose imagery which you can’t pin down to a specific film as I like the imagery to be ambiguous/open.”
Despite the sisters’ magnificent, distinct styles, Remember, Somewhere is a conversation; a dialogue between them, and the bringing together of the two artist’s paintings displayed side by side, divulging into the interlaps of their work. The work feels alive, there’s a sense of flow and movement, delicately communicated through careful brush strokes, bold colours and use of light. Laura remarks: “We wanted the work to develop naturally and come out of our ideas about painting’s physicality, its ability to break down and remake an image.” Rachel added: “Both of our practices are concerned with ideas around paint as paint, and paint as illusion – and the playful relationship between them.”
It’s an intriguing notion to ‘rescue’ an image – whether it be forgotten memories on photographs or overlooked filmic imagery that moves between “clarity and blurriness of memory”; the sisters present the imagery as new to a viewer through their unique lens.
On the grandness of their first exhibition together, they both conveyed an excitement to have their work seen by Baltic’s wide audiences. I invited the painters to share any advice they would offer to young artists or anyone who’d like to work in the industry, and Laura expressed: “Don’t wait for ideal conditions to make work – find a way to keep working as best as you can on whatever scale works for
you to keep pushing your ideas.” Rachel suggested: “Be adaptable and open minded. Let your ideas take you where you need to go and follow them. Great quality documentation of your work is key!”
Remember, Somewhere is an unmissable chance to experience the outstanding art by two immensely talented artists and siblings. The exhibition runs at Baltic, Gateshead from Saturday 12th April- Sunday 12th October.
