It was a great
pleasure to start the Makers Lunch programme for 2019 with a most enjoyable and
informative two hours with Geoffrey Swindell. All of us - perhaps unexpectedly in some cases –
were fascinated by the visual impact of his small but extraordinarily decorated
vessels. It was also refreshing for a maker to show examples of failed pots
demonstrating the ups and downs of the development process. It was very clear
however that the only pots to emerge for public view and sale were those that
met Geoffrey's exacting standards.
Perhaps one of the
most revealing aspects of our time together was during a discussion about 'presence'
– often associated in our minds with large imposing vessels. Geoffrey used the
word 'intensity' to describe his work and it was interesting to hear his
response to a question about producing some of his pieces on a larger scale
when he said that if he did so they would lose their intensity. All of us who
have held one of his fine pots in our hands will acknowledge this I am sure. We
agreed that presence was a multifactorial phenomenon involving design,
craftsmanship, decoration and context.
Geoffrey has been
making over many decades and his creative drive has never declined over that
long time. He described in some detail how his distinctive decorative voice
emerged and developed often influenced by everyday objects including small
children's toys. All of us were amazed that such small and apparently delicate
pieces were hand thrown. A broken piece which he brought with him demonstrated
the finesse of his potting.
We discussed at some
length the changes in the ceramic market and public taste over the last two
decades and in some ways the originality of the Swindell voice had maintained
interest during these changes.
This lunch
demonstrated the value of an intimate small group conversation which enables
detailed and stimulating revelations about the rigours of design and making as
well as the frustrations. Importantly, everyone is at ease and can contribute
freely knowing that their views and questions will contribute to our wider
experience during the two hours we spend together.
An excellent and most
enjoyable start to the 2019 Lunch Programme.
Stuart Dickens
Ceramic Curator
February 2019
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