Jilly Sutton

Jilly Sutton trained as a sculptor at Exeter College of Art and has developed a distinctive practice shaped by place, material and cultural influence. Early in her career, time spent in Nigeria proved formative, where the country’s rich traditions of carving and textiles ignited her imagination. Today, she draws inspiration from the ancient trees and woodland surrounding her studio on the banks of the River Dart in Devon.

Jilly Sutton trained as a sculptor at Exeter College of Art and has developed a distinctive practice shaped by place, material and cultural influence. Early in her career, time spent in Nigeria proved formative, where the country’s rich traditions of carving and textiles ignited her imagination. Today, she draws inspiration from the ancient trees and woodland surrounding her studio on the banks of the River Dart in Devon.

Working primarily with locally fallen or felled timber, Jilly carves large heads and figures, often sandblasting and liming the surfaces to reveal a unique, grain‑rich texture. While her work is predominantly figurative and imbued with a sense of calm and contemplation, elements of abstraction also play an important role.

Wood lies at the heart of her practice, valued for its warmth, character and living history. Challenging the organic nature of the material and pushing its sculptural possibilities remains a constant and rewarding pursuit. Jilly's work has been exhibited internationally and is held in public and private collections in the UK and abroad.