It is always a pleasure to change over the gallery and create a
different look. This month is going to be special as we have three makers who
have been with us a few times before and they have always generated interest through
their creativity and undoubted artistry.
Akiko Hirai is one of our favourites and
we are pleased to see her work here again. Her Japanese origins are clearly
evident in most of her pieces but they are nevertheless contemporary and often
at the edge of design and ceramic development. It is her innovative spirit
which pervades her making that attracts so many to her fine vessels. I am
particular pleased that she will be joining us for the Makers Lunch to be held
on on 6 October.
and Sally
MacDonell
have shown here and I have missed their exceptionally innovative
and original approaches to ceramic sculpture. They do have distinct stylistic voices, however they share the same values in terms of
skills and a concern to enhance the home with objects of beauty and
long-lasting interest. I last saw Sally's work at Ceramic Art London and was
struck then by the maturity and confidence in her making.
More than any language we might choose to describe the work this
month, the smile is likely to be the most common expression of the pleasure
that I know will be generated by Akiko, Alasdair and Sally
Stuart Dickens
Ceramic Curator
September 2018
