The Curator's View - April 2015

 

THE CURATOR’S VIEW – April 2015

Diversity has become an overworked word in the gallery – at least by me – because it succinctly describes the ethos of Bevere in demonstrating, month on month, the almost limitless creativity of the ceramic universe. This month is a classic example. The styles and approaches of the three/four makers are markedly different but they share one important characteristic; the passion with which they work with the same base materials to produce pieces that are distinctly theirs.

Paul Smith is a ceramic sculptor who is new to Bevere. His skilled and bold modelling produces a sideways look at the relationship between animals and humans.  Sister Wendy Beckett described his work as ‘

magical art, pure, humorous and strong’. His individual pieces communicate his intentions so clearly and I particularly like the elegance of line in his work. Ceramic sculpture has grown in popularity and it is the ability to communicate at different levels that attracts so many of our visitors.

Robin Welch is an elder statesman of the world of abstract expressionism in ceramics. We are proud to have shown his work over a number of years. - the passage of time affects even the most creative and we are delighted to have another group of pots from him. Hope you enjoy as much as we do.

We have a new body of work selected by us from his workshop. He is now producing less pieces than in the past.

Wied and Deiderik Heyning

work wonders in fine porcelain. The quality of the potting and decoration is very fine and it will be good to see them back after a long absence. When they were first shown at Bevere the work was very well received and if you have never seen their work before you are in for a treat. There decorative style varies from abstract / painterly, engraved to botanical free-hand design. It is this versatility that gives voice to their creativity. 

 Stuart Dickens

CURATOR'S VIEW - March 2015

There is a particular symbolism attached to achieving ‘three score years and ten’ and in the arts it has even greater significance. Not only has a milestone birthday been reached, but most artists and craftsmen will continue to create with barely a thought given to retirement – unlike most of us. Their creative energy remains; the desire to make may be constrained by the vagaries of the aging process but it is never extinguished.

Creating is about being as much as it is about doing. So it is with Geoffrey Swindell, whose 70^th year and a career spanning decades are being celebrated this month. We are delighted to host this special event

Geoffrey is a ceramic miniaturist; as with painters who work on a small scale, he is admired for his self-evident skills in making such exquisitely crafted pieces and for his imaginative and boundlessly creative decoration. This distinct voice in studio ceramics continues to impress and people discovering his work for the first time will stop and wonder at the diversity and originality of his pots.

The show opens on 7th March and between 1100 and 1400 Geoffrey will be at the gallery and more than happy to answer questions about his work and the potter’s life. I do hope that you will be able to join us for what promises to be an exceptional exhibition of his unique work.

An exceptional event needs an exceptional cast and alongside Geoffrey’s work we are delighted to feature John Higgins.

It is some time since we have shown his constantly evolving ceramics and we look forward to seeing his most recent pieces. John has also ploughed a singular furrow and is amongst that small body of studio potters whose work maintains an edgy contemporaneity.

We also have new smaller pieces from Peter Hayes a regular favourite with our visitors. Peter has a never ending well spring of creativity

and his recent work in India has added new dimensions to his materials, designs and making processes.

Taken together we have a exciting show for you this month and it is difficult to imagine someone with any interest in ceramics not being stimulated by the quality of the work and the creative spirit of these great makers.