ABOUT

Lucia Isolda Cunningham

A Journey Through Nature & Art

Welsh-born artist and researcher Lucia Isolda Cunningham has dedicated over three decades to exploring the intersections of art, ecology and mark-making. Growing up amidst the historic landscapes of Powis and Chirk Castles in Wales, her deep connection to nature began in her formative years. Lucia's artistic journey includes time spent in upstate New York before returning to the Shropshire - Welsh Marches, UK - where the surrounding ambient ecologies continue to influence and shape her work. A seminal moment in her artistic philosophy came during childhood when she encountered Jackson Pollock’s Autumn Rhythm (Number 30) at the MoMA, New York. The raw energy of this work ignited her lifelong pursuit of dynamic and expressive mark-making, nurturing her belief that drawing is not only a human act but universal, found an encountered in all life.

Lucia Isolda Cunningham

Snail Drawing, Ice, Shrewsbury, 2023

The Artfulness of More-Than-Human Trace

Currently completing a practice-based PhD at Loughborough University's School of Creative Arts, Lucia’s research challenges anthropocentric perspectives by focusing on ecologically inspired drawing practices. Her ground-breaking research, The Artfulness of More-Than-Human Trace, redefines the traditional act of mark-making, incorporating gastropods, insects and vegetation as active participants in the artistic process. This forward-thinking approach reimagines the human role in ecological acts, transforming the very essence of mark-making.

She is a member of the Drawing Research Group, pushing the boundaries of contemporary drawing research through her exploration of the ecological and artistic potential of the more-than-human world.

Exhibitions & Artistic Vision

Lucia’s artwork, a reflection of her profound connection to nature, has been exhibited internationally. Drawing at its core, her practice expands into photography. Her bold vision seeks to inspire future generations to understand the deep relationship between mark-making and the ambient ecologies that sustain them. Above all, Lucia dreams of exhibiting at MoMA, New York— continuing the cycle of connection and inspiration that began in her youth.

Research Presentations at Prestigious Forums

Lucia has shared her revolutionary ideas at major art and academic conferences, showcasing the intersection of art and ecology:

2025: Nature, Environment and Conservation Open Art Exhibition, Pensychnant Nature and Conservation Centre, Wales.
2022: The Artfulness of More-than-Human Trace - Ecologies of Drawing: A More Than Human World, Drawing Research Network, Loughborough University [Recording accessible at: https://vimeo.com/729236968].
2022: Ecologies of Drawing: In Situ - Online Exhibition, curated by Sara Schneckloth
2021: Accidental Objects in Printmaking Talk - IMPACT 11, Hong Kong International Printmaking Conference
2020: Drawing Encounters with Objects Talk- Research in the Arts, Arts in Research Symposium, Poland University, Lodz
2011: Find Your Talent, Artist in Resident Talk - The British Museum, National Society for Education in Art and Design
2003: Featured on ITV’s, A Brush with Fame, UK
2001: Nominated for the Original Turner Prize for British Landscape Painters, Mall Gallery, London.

Publications

Lucia’s scholarly work is an extension of her practice, where theory and art collide:

2024: The Artfulness of More-Than-Human Trace - TRACEY Journal, 17(1) Available online
2021: Asemic Drawing - Brag Issue III: What Matters Now?, Wheatsheaf Print, Cheshire
2021: Between the Leaves - Collaborative artist book, IMPACT 11, Hong Kong International Printmaking, Material Encounters Research Cluster Group, Birmingham City University
2020: Asemic Drawing - Brag Issue II: Anything Human, Wheatsheaf Print, Cheshire
2009: (June) A Brush with Fine Art Fame - Shropshire Magazine, p.61
2007: (May) It's Showtime - Verve, Designs for Living Magazine, p.76
2007: (May) Lunar Gazings - Art of England Magazine, pp.48-49
2006: (Jan/Feb) A Brush with Fame - Art of England Magazine, pp.34-36
2005: (Feb) Love on a Canvas - Shropshire Life Magazine, p.111

A Commitment to Education & Empowerment

For over 25 years, Lucia has cultivated creativity through lecturing, workshops and as an Artist in Residence. Her educational endeavours focus on empowering individuals and communities to explore their artistic potential while fostering ecological consciousness. As a Fine Art Department Head, she championed the importance of the human and more-than-human worlds, inspiring future generations to push the boundaries of what art can accomplish in both human expression and ecological awareness.