ROB Jones is concluding three years of Fine Art studies at York St John University with a “shamelessly theatrical” exhibition.

“And I don’t apologise for that,” he says. “The intention was to create a memorable, thought-provoking experience.

“It’s a bit sombre, but it’s not intended to be morose; I think the work contains my dark sense of humour and at the heart of it there’s something very positive represented here about a faith and trust in yourself and others.”

Entitled Secret (Protect From All Elements), Rob’s showcase exhibition at Bar Lane Studios, York, consists of large installations, relief sculptures and photography.

“I make sculptural artwork that has roots in personal experiences, such as the dying art of hitch-hiking, combined with playing with materials, perhaps considered ugly, to find the aesthetic that may lurk within,” says Rob, above.

“For this show I’ve made several separate works connected by notions of secrets, containment and transition. The making of this work was significant for me, not only because it represents the culmination of my studies at York St John, but also because there was an unknown conclusion right up to the opening night last Friday.”

The physicality of Rob’s work, in conjunction with the “unusual venue” of the tiled basement at Bar Lane Studios meant he could not make the sculptures beforehand.

“That element of surprise, hopefully a pleasant one, was anticipated for a long time,” he says.

“I suppose it was about relinquishing an element of control, allowing the art to speak for itself. This was a bit scary for obvious reasons. I only had an image of what I was trying to do in my head; the invites had gone out and I just had to hope that it came together. I think it has – and it’s been a great experience that has given me confidence to have the courage of my convictions and take a few risks.”

Rob reckons we say “Be careful” too often. “You can be too careful and miss good experiences as a result,” he says. “I met some amazingly good, interesting and ultimately trusting people when I went hitch-hiking, something I hadn’t done for years and a rare sight now.

“Perhaps it’s a good barometer of how trusting, or not, our society is today but it was satisfying to meet people who were willing to open their doors to a complete stranger. I was taken aback by the openness of the conversations during those broken journeys, a freedom to speak your mind without judgement, like a mini-confessional.

“I’ve tried not to take that image too literally but the installation Schön reflects these experiences and the subliminal space that exists between a departure and a destination.”

• Rob Jones’s exhibition, Secret (Protect From All Elements), runs at Bar Lane Studios, Bar Lane, York, until June 7. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm; Sunday, 11am to 4pm.