This Viewing Rooms is looking at 2 Norfolk based artists, both inspired by craft traditions from around the world. The practice of both Jack Wheeler and Lizzie Kimbley explore our connection to nature, consumption, waste, and materiality through textiles and basketry. Each seeks to offer an antidote to the busy pace and noise of contemporary life.
Jack Wheeler
Having worked on a variety of projects over the years, the focus of Jack Wheeler champions the use of locally grown timber and seeks to give pleasure and meaning through a direct connection with the natural world and the hand of the maker.
He studied fine art sculpture at Norwich Art School. After graduating in 2003 he set up a workshop in rural North Norfolk and has since continued to study and develop a diverse skill set all within the orbit of traditional woodworking. Having worked on a variety of projects Jack has experience of timber framed carpentry, historic building conservation, surveying and recording of historic timber structures, joinery, furniture making and sculpture.Jack works from a beautiful historic building which originally served as a carpenter’s workshop on a rural North Norfolk Estate. Through working from the estate and having established connections with other local woodland owners over the years, he is uniquely able to source and process much of the timber for his work. Jack is usually involved in felling extracting and converting the timber himself; such a holistic approach gives a deeply meaningful connection to where he lives and the material he works with.
Lizzie Kimbley
Lizzie is an artist based in Norwich, UK, whose practice explores connection to nature, consumption, waste, and materiality through textiles and basketry. She is curious about how walking and immersion in landscape can offer an antidote to the busy pace and noise of contemporary life. Walking in the varied Norfolk landscape informs Lizzie’s practice, connecting her to nature and the seasons, allowing a slower and more attentive way of relating to the natural world. The rhythm and repetition with every step becomes meditative, and this is echoed in her making process.
With a materials-led approach, Lizzie uses natural materials and circular design principles to work responsibly. She is interested in the value we place on materials and how we can continue to keep them in use, often repurposing what has previously been discarded. Working in response to place, she gathers plants and materials for natural dye and woven artworks. Working on- and off-loom, she has an experimental approach to exploring structure through processes such as weave, interlacing, twining and knotting.
Lizzie hopes to evoke a sense of calm and contemplation. With delicate textures and gentle colours drawn from nature, her work offers a moment to pause and an invitation to connect with nature and reflect on our relationship with the natural world.
Lizzie has shown at Flow Gallery and Jaggedart in London, Amelie d’Art in Paris and the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2025. She is a part-time Lecturer at Norwich University of the Arts. Her work is held in private collections in the UK, Europe, the US and Canada.
OPENING TIMES
WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY: 11am to 4pm
SATURDAY: 11am to 2pm
OR BY APPOINTMENT AT OTHER TIMES.
