Victoria Rance
Victoria Rance was born in Streatley, Berkshire, in 1959. She studied at North Oxfordshire Technical College (1978-79) and in the Department of Fine Art at Newcastle University (1979-83).
On leaving university Victoria Rance spent a year sculpting in Mexico, first in Tepoztlan and then in Erongaricuaro. The experience of working within another culture was enriching in many ways. She found that not only were the churches in a predominantly Catholic country full of elaborate carvings which she enjoyed, but there were other layers within the culture to be explored - Aztec and Mayan art in particular. She also discovered that there was a particular harmony between the people and her art. Being allowed such close participation has left a lasting impression. On her return to Britain Rance worked at studios in Rottingdean before moving to London and then to Greenwich, where she works today. In addition to making her sculpture she teaches English to refugees in Lewisham for two mornings a week, finding that contact with them enriches her life.
In her sculpture Victoria Rance has always been a fabricator rather than a modeller or carver, although she has on occasions worked with clay and with plaster. Her works evolve slowly, but at this time she feels that she is returning to ideas pursued as a student. She has a love of Gabo and the Constructivists, and whilst not emulating their work, her acknowledgement may be seen in subtleties of making, in tone and in form. It is the spirituality in her work which leads Rance to look back to historical examples for inspiration - not to works of art, but to objects found in museums and in churches.
Victoria Rance has exhibited her work regularly in group shows in Britain, with solo exhibitions in the late eighties and late nineties. She also works to commission.
