Sculpted by Lifestyle is a new body of work by Lee Nelms that reimagines the 'seven deadly sins' through an unapologetically Australian lens—less moral judgement and more reflection on how culture, habit and circumstance shape behaviour. The exhibition presents seven ‘before’ pieces that capture raw, unfiltered visages and seven amplified ‘after’ pieces that embody what those behaviours become when shaped by experience, consequence and time.

Through hand-built and altered wheel-thrown forms, Sculpted by Lifestyle explores flaws, humour and vulnerability in both material and human nature. Expressive marks and creature-like features point to the ways lifestyle shapes us, and how we shape ourselves in return.

Artist Biography

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.

3. Before #3 by Lee Nelms