TWELVE THOUSAND AND COUNTING

TWELVE THOUSAND AND COUNTING

From time to time, we have marked significant gallery milestones.  On this occasion, I am pleased to highlight the 12000^th piece that we have shown over the past nine years. It is particularly appropriate that the work should be made by one of the exhibitors in our 9^th Annual Graduate Show which opens on 10^th January 2015; an emerging talent that we hope will continue to develop and grow in reputation.

It is an impressive, overprinted porcelain sculpture by Alison Shanks. Kate Moss Idol is a classic graduation piece; bold - in your face even – demanding our attention. I suspect that no-one will be indifferent about it. The work is lit by LED and UV lights to give an aura to the bust of this famous fashion model in a way which seems entirely right. It is also interesting that Alison has shown a split image which suggests – at least as I see it – that celebrity has a public and private face. You may take a different view; that is the joy of art.

I am delighted that the milestone has occurred at this time when we look to the future of ceramics and reflect on continuing human creativity. Enjoy!

Stuart Dickens

Ceramic Curator