What Do You Call Family?
Discover artist Lizzie Lovejoy's exploration of what family means to communities in Northern England
By Arts Council England
Story curated by ARC Stockton
In 2020, Lizzie Lovejoy became the Artist of Change at ARC - an artist from a working-class background working in any medium, who would embed themselves across the organisation for a year, with a brief to create work with and for the local community.
From chosen to biological family
Immersing themselves into the local community and surrounding nature, one of Lizzie's projects explores what family means to people in the North of England.
Water Lillies (2021) by Lizzie LovejoyArts Council England
Ciaran the Water Lily
Like this calm and tranquil flower, a person who keeps his head down and works hard, never seeming to be too stressed by anything. Outwardly he is a picture of calm. Under the surface his brain is working and filled with so many ideas, just like a water lily is.
Tree japan mapel (2021) by Lizzie LovejoyArts Council England
Finn the Japanese Maple Tree
Often a symbol of generosity and offering. Finn is a person who gives words in abundance, speaking with encouragement and with as much advice as he can. He is kind and wants everyone to reach their potential in everything that they want to do. Like the Japanese maple, he gives.
Finger Print Thumb (2021) by Lizzie LovejoyArts Council England
Family Revisited - Art Piece Six (2021) by Lizzie LovejoyArts Council England
Exploring relationships through illustration
Lizzie reflected on the connections between family members through a series of illustrations like this one of a mother and child.
Emily
Lizzie's reflection on Emily took the form of both a poem and a line-drawing, presented here together.
More than a biological connection
The result of many conversations explored from different viewpoints, Lizzy's work reflected how the concept of family can be deeper than a genetic connection and can include people we form deep bonds with throughout our lives.
Adam filming Lizzie Lovejoy as part of the internship by Adam McLeanArts Council England
A Change of Perspective
Lizzie's illustrations represent the personal response of a working-class creative, firmly rooted in the North East, who combines the roles of storyteller, reportage artist and creative researcher within their practice.
Artwork by Lizzie Lovejoy. This story was curated by ARC Stockton as part of Arts Council England's Northern Stories collection.
Explore Lizzie's work about working class identity and the part it plays in Northern identity.
Explore Lizzie's work understanding what home means to Northern communities.
