THE CURATOR'S VIEW - November/ December

As we approach the end of the year, the challenge is to ensure that the interest and stimulation that we strive to achieve each month is sustained, particularly as we approach that special time of the year – I'll not mention the C word!  For the period to year's end, we have four featured makers that will provide all the sensory delights.

There is also another special event as on November 19 the Gallery is pleased to be launching the publication of 'Just Pots', a monograph about the life and work of Chris Carter. It is special for me as I was privileged to be asked to write the text by Chris. I am so pleased that at last there will be a volume celebrating the work of one of the UK's important master craftsmen. We will be launching the book together and signing copies on the day from 1130. There will also be a small exhibition of new work by Chris.

The featured makers over this period are all Bevere favourites. There is a strong sculptural emphasis this time, although  we will have our usual diverse range of pots across the gallery.
Ross Emerson will be featuring a small group of his work.  I am particularly grateful that he is represented here as he has had the trauma of moving house and workshop to cope with for a large part of this year. Instantly recognizable, his sculptural pieces generate so many smiles amongst his admirers.  I hope to have one or two of his clocks which are always a talking point. For me he is a caricaturist in clay with a deft touch.




Christy Keeney has been showing at Bevere for many years. We have a new body of pieces which one of my colleagues described as probably the best group we have ever had from him – praise indeed, given that he has always sustained a high level of skill and creativity. I am sure that the work will be as popular as ever.







Jenny Southam has a fine art background and this shows in her work .  This range of pieces has her eye for detail and fine examples of her modelling skills. We have always enjoyed having Jenny's sculptures and these will generate smiles as well as admiration.

Maria Wojdat has provided a small set of her colourful hand-built vessels for this feature. They are small in scale but they have presence. Her bold use of colour is a characteristic of Maria's work and I particularly like the subtle combinations in small groups. It demonstrates very well that impact isn't always about size.



Once again we have a group of makers that I hope you will enjoy.