Ty Locke (b. 1996) is a London-based artist, who channels his personal experiences and perspective into his work. Drawing from a diverse range of influences, his sculptures merge accessibility and wit while addressing broader social themes. As a queer artist, he often explores identity and self-expression, challenging traditional boundaries. This is reflected in works like On The Lash, where he transforms an old pair of school shoes – once worn before he fully embraced his identity – by embellishing them with false eyelashes. The piece reimagines something familiar through a queer lens – a theme that runs throughout his practice as he repurposes everyday objects, altering their meaning and function to create intricate, time-intensive sculptures.
Since relocating to London from Maidstone to pursue an MFA in sculpture at the Slade School of Fine Art, Locke has increasingly drawn inspiration from his childhood and family life in Kent. His artistic process is as much about personal reflection as creation, with his sculptures acting as a means of understanding his past. And Touch Wood series exemplifies this. The piece consists of wooden cutlery meticulously engraved to resemble silverware, drawing on a superstition that was common in his family growing up – one shared by many ordinary households, where touching wood was believed to bring good luck. The piece doubles as a commentary on class distinctions, referencing the historical practice of wealthier individuals rubbing silver for good luck. In contrast, working-class families, lacking such luxuries, would touch wood as a more accessible superstition. Drawing inspiration from childhood memories and practices, Locke explores deeper themes of aspiration, superstition, and resourcefulness.
Many of Locke’s works are deeply rooted in memories of his grandmother, blending the delicate with the rugged to evoke complex, layered emotions. Nanny State is a direct homage to her smoking habits, constructed from 10,000 cigarette filters that resemble the pattern of a classic crochet tablecloth. Similarly, Nan Cabinet features meticulously etched pint glasses that replicate the net curtains of the artist’s grandmother’s home. The intricate etching process echoes the slow accumulation of cigarette smoke staining fabric over time, subtly recalling the crochet pattern of Nanny State. In these works, the juxtaposition of domestic tradition and the gritty remnants of a lifelong habit is both fragile and raw in its execution. This interplay between fragility and toughness extends to Leather Jacket Covered Bar Stools, a piece evoking childhood memories of time spent with his grandmother in pubs. There, familiar figures in worn leather jackets became part of his everyday world. The stools, upholstered in tightly fitted leather jackets, take on anthropomorphic qualities, embodying the presence of long-time patrons hunched over their drinks.
Each of these works reflects Locke’s dedication to transforming fleeting memories into enduring forms, fusing tenderness with the resilient aspects of his past. The months of intensive labour invested in each piece highlight his commitment to preserving and celebrating the richness of his personal history through art.
Recent and upcoming projects
Currently, Locke is undertaking a residency at Studio Block M74 in Mexico City, immersed in a rich culture of colour, craftsmanship, music, and a sense of community. He describes the experience as “jam-packed with inspiration”, noting how the city’s vibrancy and maximalist aesthetic have significantly influenced his recent artistic direction.
His first piece inspired by the residency, Rituals (Gothic), incorporates aluminium food containers and shopping bag fragments from local markets, capturing the fusion of commerce and religious iconography that pervades Mexican culture. Creating this work within the first three weeks of his stay, Locke relied on intuition, embracing the unfamiliarity of his surroundings to inform his artistic choices. The experience of navigating a new city, encountering language barriers, and rebuilding his workspace reinforced his creative adaptability.
Locke’s work has also been showcased in a variety of exhibitions, reflecting his evolving artistic practice. Recent exhibitions such as Take a Seat at Bow Arts (London), Kitchen Sink Drama at Copperfield (London), and Amber Room at Matt’s Gallery (London) have highlighted the diverse materials and intricate techniques that define his approach. He has also been part of The Physical Trace of Memory (London, 2024), Fragment I (Commune, Vienna, 2024), and Wonderland (FILET, London, 2024), where his work has continued to resonate with audiences. In addition to his gallery shows, Locke’s pieces are held in notable collections, such as the LAM Museum in the Netherlands and private collections in Norway and the UK. Looking ahead, Locke’s upcoming presentation at the Material Art Fair, coping his Mexico residency, marks another significant milestone in his career.
Ty Locke’s work seamlessly blends personal history, cultural influences, and a playful approach to materials, creating sculptures that resonate with emotional depth and social commentary. From exploring themes of identity and memory to drawing inspiration from his family and upbringing, Locke’s art transforms everyday objects into intricate, thought-provoking pieces. As Locke continues to evolve as an artist, his work stands as a powerful reflection of his journey, marked by a constant exploration of self-expression, humour, and craftsmanship.
