Lou Baker - inspiration and influence

‘Christian Boltanski says that most artists just have one idea. I can certainly relate to that. I think my one idea is exploring Jung’s individuation.

He says it’s a process involving balancing our multiple selves with the dark side, or shadow, of our self. He suggests that failure to do this can result in fragmentation and associated mental health issues. He also says it’s about finding meaning and purpose, especially in midlife… and that it’s a preparation for death.

It often feels as if I’m unravelling my personal histories and then knitting them back together with my thoughts, imagination and with all the other things that influence and inspire me.

Working with materials sparks ideas, as do conversations, things I read and watch, other artists’ work, and my incessant internal monologue…. add some critical theory, anatomy, psychology, psychotherapy and philosophy…. and somehow these disquieting and oddly beautiful sculptures emerge.

My work provokes a range of conflicting responses -attraction, repulsion, horror and hilarity- and stimulates thought, conversation and, sometimes, action. My main motivation is to highlight issues that are often difficult to talk about, and to have conversations about shared experiences.’