SKIPTON Mill Bridge Gallery’s next exhibition will show various invertebrates through the mediums of illustration, photography and mixed media sculpture.

Jody Lawson’s ‘Invertebrate Project’, from May 31, combines elegant beauty with aberrant horror, portraying a selection of insects, arachnids, mollusks and other invertebrates.

With an interest in nature from a young age, Jody’s education spans various sciences, arts and media culminating in an honours degree in Film Production.

Jody, who lives in Skipton, describes his work as a study of nature’s intricate physical aspects as well as their psychological representation. He is continually exploring and experimenting with different media and styles, and often recycling items such as glass bottles or packing materials

“An idea I enjoy exploring is the concept of 'fear of the unknown’, and a lot of the time that goes hand in hand with giving the viewer an opportunity to bring in their own fears and memories by obscuring some of the imagery of the work," he says.

"Art and media of all forms rely on not only the artists’s intentions, but also the interpretation of those viewing the work, as well as it’s context in whichever time and place they happen to be in.”

Six years ago, Jody was diagnosed with a brain tumour; an acoustic neuroma. After surgery, he was left with deafness in one ear, partial facial paralysis, vision difficulties, cognitive processing issues and severe fatigue, which he says may cause him some discomfort during the preview evening on Friday, May 31 from 6pm to 8pm.

“I may have to take breaks and get some air, but hopefully, I’ll be well enough to be present at the opening," he says.

The exhibition will run until June 22, from Thursday to Saturday, between 11am and 4pm.