Artist Profile: Lyall Sprong, Gathering Places

Lyall Sprong explores the edges where the natural world meets the human perception through abstract works made with terrestrial matter. Lyall draws concepts from textures of the earth, found and gathered on physical paths of exploration, curiosity and open wandering. He relates his way of being to his Piscean nature; “I feel so incredibly liminal, which is one way of understanding a fish in water.”

Lyall’s work encourages one to interpret a philosophical conversation, unique to his medium, that is shaped by the energy of the colours and figures in each piece. The rich pigments in his work are sourced from the likes of stone, sand, clay and ash - natural compounds which carry an ancient, earthbound connection.

There is something contemplative and mysterious about Lyall’s paintings, like they express a conversation which can only be had when we are not attached to a singular idea or the noise of definement. Inspired by mountainous landscapes and light on the sea, he believes that “beauty is everywhere and there is a sort of evolving beauty that you can live your life by.”

Through his art, Lyall seeks to communicate the value of materials, moments and matter, and the way they move you if you give them the time. “I think it is about being open to these impressions outside of projections - to listening and allowing beauty with its inherent impermanence to craft you a little bit.”

A collection of works titled ‘Gathering Places’ is on exhibition and available to purchase at our Green Point store until the end of July 2025.

Lyall’s statement on Gathering Places:

“I did not know what would be or why I began, but I knew that I wanted to get outside of time. I am told that you can speak to rocks if you get outside of time. And if you can speak with rocks then you can speak with anyone. Not to or for, but with anyone. Speaking which is as much listening. Listening that is as much, feeling - for sympathies and antipathies - for new tracks and pathways that happen in the tension of difference - between people and the wild. Many of these rocks have been found on paths in places of power that speak with me - as feelings, which I carry with me. The feeling of health, of beauty, of being attentive, and of being a small part. Paintings are made with direct colour. Between paintings there are a few things that I have either made or found at the junctures of different worlds.”

Visit us 155 Strand Street, De Waterkant

 Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm

Sunday 10am - 2pm