At the risk of repeating myself – once again – I am
delighted that the featured makers this month maintain our reputation for
diversity. That is the curatorial challenge, to ensure that each maker's work
is enhanced by the contrast with other exhibitors. The individual voice of each
of our chosen makers, speaks powerfully notwithstanding the wide range of work in the gallery.
Jane
Abbott is a newcomer to Bevere. She is undoubtedly a three dimensional
abstract artist. The combination of slab building and inventive decoration
produces pots which are bound to attract attention. Her early pots were influenced by Alison
Britton and Elizabeth Fritch, potters working in the 1970’s. She is also an admirer
of Ben Nicholson. However, notwithstanding such influences she has developed
her own voice which is evident in the work we will be showing this month. Interestingly,
she feels that her work as a teacher of ceramics and the necessary research
that this demands, acts as as a further stimulus and inspiration. I am
delighted that Jane has agreed to join us on 3 March for our maker's lunch and
if you would like to understand her work and its origins more closely I am sure
we will be having and enjoyable and stimulating two hours with her.
Anna
Silverton was last at Bevere some years ago. She will be remembered for her elegantly designed vessels
and subtle decoration. All her vases and bowls are wheel thrown. She likes to interrupt and
repeat structures, through cutting, joining and reshaping on the wheel, to
discover new forms and hone them. She places particular importance on the
ceramic surface which she works on the wheel until very smooth then burnishes
(low fired clay bodies) or polishes (vitrified stoneware bodies.) She uses a
combination of incised and/or inlaid detailing to enhance volume and punctuate
profile. Elegance is the word I have to use to describe her work and I am sure
that this group of pieces will bring much pleasure.
Christy
Keeney needs no introduction. He is the doyen of ceramic sculptors who has
work in so many private and public collections. This is distinctive ceramic art
which is instantly recognisable. He
sees his work as three dimensional painting. The form is built up and flattened
like a canvas ready to take the drawing. When he works he tries to let the
moment dictate his progress and the themes that he is dealing with are not as
important to him as the overall form they inhabit. His figurative ceramics are
an investigation into the human condition and his forms are stretched to the
point where sculpture and drawing overlap. WE have shown his fine work over a
number of years and never tire of his boundless creative energy.
Hope you will
enjoy this month's makers - I know I will!!
Stuart Dickens
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