THE CURATOR’S VIEW October 2013

 

   October 2013

If you have read this blog before then you will know that diversity and quality are important elements in the gallery’s ceramic programme. We are featuring the work of three very different ceramicists this month. Two of them are previous Graduate Show winners and the third has become an internationally established artist since she showed here first in 2006.

Emma Rodgers may now be familiar in Paris and New York; however we value the long held relationship with this exceptional ceramic sculptress. Some may remember the life-sized bronze ballerina that graced our courtyard some years ago and this time we have a bronze falcon 

which has already made an impact on the few who have seen it. Emma has the ability to capture the essence of whatever animal she portrays and this time we have three of her wall mounted running hares, a peacock and a bull. This work needs no signature - Emma’s signature is her unique approach to her subjects and the spirit of life which they embrace.  I could say more, but that would be no substitute for seeing them for yourself  in the gallery or on line.

The Annual Graduate Show is an opportunity for new and emerging ceramicists to show in a commercial gallery and a chance for us to promote new makers and continue to support their careers in what is never going to be an easy profession. The same two criteria apply – craft skills and an individual voice. Our other two featured makers have both.

Jewels Williams–Peplow (Jewels has married since we last featured her work) has developed her fine porcelain pieces in two directions. I particularly like her coffee set – two mugs, a  jug and sugar bowl on an oak tray. This looks like the beginning of a significant series and I hope she develops it further. It has the kind of elegant design chic that is increasingly featured in the interiors journals. Her other work is more familiar but then again she has given more emphasis to her micro landscape friezes, which add interest and presence to her small pieces. As always they are beautifully made with a studied care which has been her hallmark since graduation.

Chris Taylor has had work at Bevere since he won the Graduate show award two years ago. His ability to embrace the contemporary with traditional decorative approaches has had a surprisingly wide appeal across all ages and tastes. I say surprisingly, because it is something that is difficult to achieve.

I know from a recent conversation with him that his work will not stand still and he already sees this current series ending soon with the emergence of new pieces – watch this space. I hope that Bevere will be amongst the first to show them. In the meantime enjoy another great group of pots from this exciting and insightful potter.

If these featured makers were not enough, we also have new bodies of work from Matt Horne whose rich crystalline glazes are applied to beautifully thrown vessels; two indoor pieces from Kathy Shadwell whose larger work was in the Gallery Outside in the summer and a new name to Bevere - Rob Fountain - whose original three dimensional landscapes are well worth a view.  

We believe that contrast and diversity in ceramics contributes to the good feelings that so many visitors have about Bevere Gallery. We are able to show month on month that the best of ceramics can add so much pleasure to everyday living. I know from my personal experience that the desire to own is driven by that more than any other motivation. 

 Stuart Dickens