THE CURATOR'S VIEW - February 2014

After the buzz and energy generated by a popular and successful Graduate Show in January, we know that February is always challenging. Nevertheless, I believe we have met the challenge with a group of makers with contrasting and striking approaches to their work.

This month we are delighted to welcome for the first time,Maria Wojdat whose elegant designs and the use of vibrant colours will undoubtedly bring light to the darker days of winter. Colour has become one of the features of the current market. Different colours evoke different moods and provide decorative exclamation marks. This work is beautifully made and I hope that you enjoy her work as much as we do.

 Clare Crouchman has exhibited several times before, but I particularly like the direction she is now taking her wall pieces  Those that have had a glimpse of these pieces have been impressed and also acknowledge the successful transition and development of her work.
. Those familiar with her work will remember the symmetry of her pattern making. What we now see in what she calls the ‘Tree Series’ is more organic with a striking use of tree imagery.

Thomas Hopkins – Gibson exhibited in one of our earlier graduate shows. He is an unusual maker as he works in clay and wood. His ceramic decoration also reflects wood grain and his work was very popular. It is a pleasure to have Thomas back here again and to see the way in which he has developed since we last showed a body of his work which must be about two years ago now.

His talent was recognized in a show in America of Scottish made craft and as a result landed a contract with Calvin Klein - good news indeed, but clearly an added pressure for any studio potter.

I have already expressed the gallery’s sadness at the news of the death of Eric James Mellon. We have decided to hold a small show of his fine work next month to commemorate the life of an exceptional artist/ potter.  Try not to miss it.

Stuart Dickens