Contemporary Ceramics

Funding the Future

2012-01-07T06:56:00.000-08:00

An auction of contemporary studio ceramics raising funds for the Craft Potters Charitable Trust
19th January—11th February 2012
January 2012 launches the second stage of the appeal for funds to develop the Contemporary Ceramics Centre. Funding the Future is an exhibition and auction featuring exclusive pieces donated by over 100 artists and will be an unique opportunity to see and to buy something very special.
Karen Bunting, CPA chair explains: “Funding the Future... is to raise funds for the development of all aspects of this ceramics centre and to create a successful and viable education programme based at Great Russell Street and at other venues around the country as appropriate... We have plans to develop training and career development, opportunities for makers at all stages of their careers and to encourage a wider appreciation of handmade ceramics. We believe that this will help to secure the future of British studio ceramics”.

Janice Tchalenko

Emily Myers

Mike Dodd

Lesley Risby

Jane Hamlyn

Daniel Smith

Rosemary Wren

Prue Cooper

Bloomsbury Festival 21st - 23rd October 2011

2011-09-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Contemporary Ceramics Centre is taking part in the Bloomsbury Festival with Bowen & Bowen. Running over the weekend of the 21st - 23rd October, the festival hosts a fabulous free programme of over 150 events, taking place in over 50 venues across Bloomsbury. The Contemporary Ceramics Centre will open for an extra day on Sunday during this weekend between 12 pm to 5pm.

Visit the Bloomsbury Festival website for more details
http://www.bloomsburyfestival.org.uk/event/id/58

Bowen & Bowen - father and son exhibition

2011-09-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

Bowen & Bowen

6 October—29 October 2011

The careful traditions of English Slipware are unseated and then thoroughly reworked through the ceramics of Clive and Dylan Bowen. Two generations of potters show their work in this new exhibition at the Contemporary Ceramics Centre. Clive & Dylan have taken this English inheritance and very definitely made it their own.

Bowen & Bowen communicates two personal journeys. The tradition informed pieces of Clive Bowen act as a canvas to his painterly approach when decorating. This expressive way of painting with slip has been taken further by Dylan, Clive’s son, whose work is more akin to action-painting and who works intuitively and directly through marks made into the clay.

Jar by Clive Bowen

Square plate by Clive Bowen

Jug by Clive Bowen

Platter by Dylan Bowen

Vessel by Dylan Bowen

'Line, Volume and Space' - new work by Ashraf Hanna - an exhibition starting on the 8th of September (till 1 October 2011).

2011-08-22T08:52:00.001-07:00

Originally from Egypt Ashraf Hanna trained in theatre design at Central St. Martins College of Art and Design 1991-1994. Discovered clay in 1997 and set up studio in 1998 and has enjoyed several years of success in this field.
In 2009 he returned to college and undertook an MA course at Royal College of Art graduating in 2011.
This is his first solo show since leaving college.
Ashraf says about his new work:
‘My work is concerned with exploring form through scale, colour, texture and material. These elements inform our perception and understanding of form. Scale determines the space an object occupies in relation to the wider space, other objects and to us. Colour, whether bright, soft, intense or vivid has a powerful effect in defining the character of a form. Textural treatment invites us to examine the tactile qualities of the surface and what role this has in influencing our ability to read and comprehend a form. This is further emphasized when choosing the material, whether solid, dense ceramics or translucent glass.
I am interested in the lines and spaces that develop through both the manipulation of the volume within the forms and their physical relationship to one another. The interaction between sharp and organic lines creates subtle and sometimes pronounced curves that invite the eye to engage with the sculptural aesthetics of the form’.

You can read more about Ashraf's work in the current Ceramic Review (issue 251) where Amanda Fielding has written an in depth article on his work.

'Domesticated' - a showcase dedicated to the domestic - finishes soon!

2011-08-22T08:39:00.001-07:00

'Domesticated' finishes on the 2nd of September - last chance to come and see it! A great selection of functional pots on show.

Large jugs by Alistair Young.

Servers by Jane Cox.

Jugs by Jane Cox.

Small bowls by Nigel Lambert.

Jugs by Nigel Lambert.

Dishes by Nigel Lambert.

Dishes by Kate Scott.

Pots by Louisa Taylor.

Nesting bowls by Louisa Taylor.

Mugs by Alistair Young.

Little and Large

2011-07-18T06:33:00.000-07:00

Little and Large is a showcase that brings together four makers who work with scale and explore how the dimensions of an object influences its presence in a room and how we respond to it. This showcase illustrates a diversity of process and approach; Sandy Brown's spontaneous method of making and decorating contrasts with the more controlled and particular nature of Walter Keelers' pieces whilst Adam Buick demonstrates the effect of using the same form whether bigger or smaller.

Sandy Brown is famous for her spontaneous use of clay and decoration. Working intuitively and directly the same energy can be seen in both her larger objects and her smaller more intimate pieces

Adam Buick's vessels reference the form of ancient Korean Moon Jars. Moon Jars represented the epitome of the austere Confucian virtues of purity, honesty and modesty. Adam was so inspired by this pure form that he now uses it as the composition for his work.This celestial form is for him symbolic of the planet, his fascination with landscape and how humans have utilized and perceived it.

Walter Keeler is known internationally for his distinctive salt-glazed and earthenware pieces. His shapes are informed by eighteenth century Staffordshire pottery, the forms of Roman blown glass and old fashioned metal milk churns and oil cans. Keeler's work is functional in origin whilst being playful and challenging.

Marcus O'Mahony fires his work in a three chamber wood kiln and a salt glaze gas kiln.He is fascinated by the interaction of salt and wood fire with the clay. These methods of firing enhance the form and are a source of constant inspiration.

Mary White - A Restrospective - 9th June to 2nd July 2011

2011-06-17T03:46:00.000-07:00

Early on in her career Mary combined her enthusiasm for ceramics and calligraphy. As a potter she works with porcelain clay exploiting the paper like qualities of this material employing a potters' sensibility with her approach to form. An early opportunity to experiment with porcelain led Mary to develop her distinctive wide flanged bowls, extending the thin rims to breaking point. The organic quality to the broken edges found in many of her forms takes ideas from coastal landscape, layers of rock on the seashore, shells and waves rippling over the sand and the colours of the sea and the sky. Pieces often combine throwing and handbuilding , using the clay as thin as possible, almost like torn paper and assembling the clay in layers.

Her porcelain forms create a three-dimensional canvas for her delicate and exquisite calligraphy. Through a considered use of colour and the balance of areas of light and shade, Marys' calligraphy explores and creates dynamics and tensions between text and form.

Jane Hamlyn 'Special Reserve'

2011-05-28T04:50:00.001-07:00

Jane Hamlyn

'Special Reserve'
Abstract Vessels & Saltglazed Teapots

12th May to the 4th June 2011

'The 'Empty Vessels' are not strictly functional, they are visually simple and deliberately untrammeled by organic or anthropomorphic or geological associations. Contrasting interior/exterior colours animate their formal simplicity & their leaning diagonals suggest dynamic movement. Individually, in related pairs or as groups, I see them as three-dimensional abstract forms containing light and space and room for reflection.

In this exhibition I am also pleased to be showing a collection of my teapots, accumulated over a period of years, which have been kept in reserve as particularly nice examples' Jane Hamlyn 2011 (Maker)

April Showcase

2011-04-20T05:57:00.001-07:00

Clare Conrad takes a painterly approach to her work, enjoying the dramatic contrasts of light and dark, craggy and smooth. Her vessels evoke sun-worn, weathered surfaces capturing the point between existence and decay.

Sarah Dunstan responds to images and ideas collected in her sketchbooks, working directly onto the flat clay. Like a painter, she works over the surface until she is happy. The surprise comes when the pieces are constructed and the flat decoration takes on a new identity in the three dimensional form.

Carolyn Genders’ vessels are informed by the seasonal changes in the landscape close to her home. She works intuitively and enjoys the rhythm of making. Forms and surfaces strive to convey the landscape through the nuance of shape, balance and mass, evoking mood and atmosphere.

Richard Godfrey was inspired at a young age by the vibrant colours of the Mediterranean. Drawing little from tradition, his individual approach inspires work that leaps and dances with the Mediterranean colours, and expresses the inspiring South Devon coast where he lives.

Ingrid Saag focuses on the human form in her recent work. Hand painting each piece she works in a way to explore, discover and describe this favourite subject. Some of the larger pieces are accompanied by poetry describing the passions, lusts, furies and joys inspired by human love.

Spring in Bloomsbury; March Showcase

2011-04-02T07:15:00.001-07:00

March Showcase

10th March to 2nd April

The first Showcase of the year featured five makers all of whom demonstrate a very personal approach to using clay. Colour ties the five artists together; Kochevet Bendavid, Joanna Howells, Hanne Mannheimer, Sean Miller and Andrew Wicks.

Kochevet Bendavid

Joanna Howells

Andrew Wicks

Sean Miller

Hanne Mannheimer

Spring in Bloomsbury; Recent Exhibitions

2011-04-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

Pre Ceramic Art London

16th Feb to 27th Feb

To coincide with Ceramic Art London, which is held at the Royal College of Art, the Contemporary Ceramics Centre hosted a Pre Ceramic Art London Showcase. This featured 8 makers who were exhibiting at the Royal College; Robert Cooper, Bridget Drakeford, Regina Heinz, Ikuko Iwamoto, Sun Kim, James Oughtibridge, Suleyman Saba and Patricia Volk.

Through 50 Jan 20th to Feb 12th 2011

Through 50 was the official opening exhibition for the Contemporary Ceramics Centre. The exhibition featured 50 makers, 10 from each of the five decades that the gallery has been open. The work on display included historical pieces from Ray Finch together with contemporary work by makers such as Dylan Bowen and Sandy Brown.

Contemporary Ceramics Centre Opens

2010-11-24T08:59:00.000-08:00

We are now open at 63 Great Russell Street, opposite the British Museum. The gallery looks very elegant and is the perfect setting to see and buy beautiful work from some of the U.K's top ceramic artists. Functional work, to use every day sits side by side with one-off collectors pieces. More pictures and posts will follow.

In Transit

2010-06-22T03:37:00.000-07:00

We have now closed the gallery at Somerset House and are temporarily packed in boxes whilst the new gallery at 63 Great Russell Street is being refurbished. The opening is planned for late September. We'll keep you up to date with the progress and hopefully see some of you there when we re-open.

James & Tilla Waters

2010-05-04T06:25:00.001-07:00

Both James and Tilla studied fine art before becoming apprentices of Rupert Spira. In 2002 they started making pots in their own workshop. They both have a meticulous attention to detail which can be seen in both the throwing of the work and also the decoration. The making process is shared, with Tilla being responsible for the decoration whilst James takes charge of the throwing.

They work in porcelain.

Sotis Filippides

2010-05-04T06:07:00.000-07:00

New Work. Black stoneware rocking bowl, with a pitted glaze inside.

Karen Bunting

2010-05-04T05:37:00.000-07:00

New work from Karen includes; faceted Teabowls and decorated irregular plates. The Teabowls use a soft pale glaze which allows the iron in the clay to break through. Karen has incised the plates with a linear pattern and motifs, which she paints with oxides before glazing.

Karen Bunting lives and works in East London. Her work is thrown or handbuilt and is decorated by incising or painting with oxides. She exhibit and sells throughout the UK and abroad

Last Month at Somerset House

2010-05-04T05:01:00.000-07:00

We are now into our last month at Somerset House. During our 14 months here, we have showcased an exciting and varied selection of both established and new makers. We are still receiving new work, the most recent of which is from Karen Bunting, Sotis Filippides and James & Tilla Waters.

Our last trading day at Somerset House will be Sunday 30th May 2010. If you still haven't seen us here, there are still a few weeks in which to pop in and say hello.

We will be keeping everyone updated with the progress of the refurbishment of our fantastic new Ceramics Centre at 63 Great Russell Street (opposite the British Museum) which is planned to open in September 2010.

Next exhibition: 'Small and Perfectly Formed', 16th February to 31st of March

2010-01-22T08:01:00.000-08:00

Louisa Taylor

Small and Perfectly Formed is a selling exhibition which reveals the beauty and strength to be discovered in small objects; objects that can be found and displayed in small spaces.

Contemporary Ceramics will be showcasing 14 makers. The work on show has been chosen to highlight individual pieces that will sit within domestic interiors of any size and also functional ceramics that can be used on a daily basis. The exhibition illustrates the beauty, creative possibilities and functionality that can be explored when working to a smaller size. Small and Perfectly Formed features the work of new members of the Craft Potters Association, including Matthew Chamber’s minimalist yet complex objects, Louisa Taylor’s multifunctional stacking tableware, alongside more established members, and Sun Kim’s range of functional ware exploring traditional and contemporary aesthetics.

Artists:
Peter Beard, Matthew Chambers, Susan Disley, André Hess, John Higgins, Ashley Howard, Sun Kim, Anna Lambert, Sophie MacCarthy, John Pollex, Aneta Regel Deleu, Jenny Southam, Geoffrey Swindell, Louisa Taylor.

Two new books

2010-01-22T07:51:00.000-08:00

Come and buy a signed copy of an excellent new book by Emmanuel Cooper 'Contemporary Ceramics', an essential and invaluable analysis of work from the last 10 years, with over 600

stunning illustrations (£24.95).

David Whiting's new book surveys 24 leading ceramists and the places where they work. He gives a fresh overview of the exceptional range of ceramics being produced today (£30).

Karen Bunting

2009-11-29T08:12:00.000-08:00

Karen Bunting lives and works in East London producing domestic ceramics. Mostly she likes to make jugs, bowls and platters. These are usually thrown initially, and are then worked upon and decorated by incising or painting with oxides, often drawing upon geometrical patterning. She exhibit and sells throughout the UK and abroad.

Teabowls

Large vase

Large bowl

Philip Wood

2009-11-29T08:06:00.000-08:00

Trained at Farnham School of Art (76 to 79) followed by Royal College of Art.

He is well known for his detailed sprigged pots and tableware with their softly washed exteriors. Playful and thoughtful the work has its roots in the slipware and earthenware traditions found in Britain and Europe.

Mugs

Lidded jars

Jugs

Nicola Tassie

2009-11-29T08:01:00.000-08:00

Makes a selected range of domestic ware forms, including bottles, bowls and most especially jugs.

She works both in stoneware and earthenware, using the wheel and firing in an electric kiln. Much of her work consists of one-off pieces which incorporate incised or grooved lines and contrasting glazes to explore the relationship between form and surface.

Stoneware jug

Matthew Blakely

2009-11-29T07:53:00.000-08:00

Born in the UK, studied at the National Art School, Sydney, Australia in 1993 and returned to the UK in 2002. His work is thrown softly in porcelain and often altered or distorted to give the pots energy and movement. They are glazed in rich aqueous glazes that enhance the softness of the forms.

Square dish

Stoneware vase with porcelain slip.

Peter Smith

2009-11-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Initially a research chemist, Peter Smith turned his hand to ceramics and started a pottery in Cornwall. He aims to combine the ‘feel’ of traditional earthenware with contemporary ideas and forms. The basic form is often thrown on the wheel in a heavily grogged brown clay. One can see where the potter has used his hands to shape the material, pushing and pinching the clay, the marks of making deliberately left to suggest the process.

Jug form

Anne James

2009-11-28T08:54:00.000-08:00

Makes thrown porcelain forms, sometimes modified by beating. Each piece is covered with coloured slip and burnished while still slightly damp, after biscuit firing further slip decoration is applied and fired, often several times adding extra lustres. The work is taken hot from the kiln and smoked in sawdust.

Smoked fired vessel.

sold

3 small bowls

Sotis Filippides

2009-11-28T08:43:00.000-08:00

Born and trained in Greece now living and working in London. Makes simple shapes with textured surfaces. By using a lot of copper and iron oxides he is trying to achieve a natural look. All work is thrown with the simplicity of the shapes being the first priority. Sotis' inspiration for shapes and texture is drawn from nature (trees, dry leaves and roots).

Large bowl

sold

Brown bowl.

Black bowl.

Taja

2009-11-28T08:29:00.000-08:00

Originally from Japan where he trained as an oil painter. Was influenced at this time by Gaugin - the use of colour was carried across into his ceramic work, with texture remaining an important element. Pieces are slab built using porcelain. He now lives and works on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon.

Porcelain vase.

Tony Laverick

2009-11-28T08:23:00.000-08:00

Tony Laverick has been a full time potter since 1988.

His work is mostly thrown porcelain decorated with precious metal lustres. The surface treatment and execution of his pots display extraordinary mastery of technique. Complex surfaces are

created by working with layers of iridescent colours that mesh and intertwine.

Black clay bowl with lustres

Round bowl, black clay, lustres.

Christmas at Contemporary Ceramics

2009-11-28T04:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas at Contemporary Ceramics

We are beginning to feel very festive here. With the skating outside, trees, baubles and a beautiful selection of work inside. We continue to show new makers: Tony Laverick, Nicola Tassie, Philip Wood, Matthew Blakely, Taja, Sotis Filippides and Richard Phethean. Plus new work from all our regular makers.

New Work from Merete Rasmussen

2009-10-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

Red Piece 2009

We have three new pieces from Merete Rasmussen. Red Piece (above), Wall Piece and Blue Piece.

Blue Piece 2009
sold

Wall Piece 2009
sold

A New Direction For John Higgins

2009-10-24T08:22:00.000-07:00

John Higgins 2009

After Art in Clay at Hatfield House this year, we were very excited to get some new work from John Higgins. He is still using the matt surfaces, but is working in a looser, more free way. Thrown vessels are loosely painted and then distorted.

John Higgins 2009

The Gallery in October

2009-10-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

It has been very busy for us here at Somerset House recently. In September there was London Fashion Week, in October, Origin was sited here. It is now calm before they start to build the ice rink to open in November.

At the Gallery, we are now preparing for Christmas. We will be getting lots of new work to entice everyone with and to encourage some festive shopping for that unique hand made gift. We will be updating the profiles of the makers already featured and continuing to introduce new makers.

New Work for September - Susan Nemeth

2009-08-30T03:42:00.000-07:00

Susan Nemeth makes one-off handbuilt porcelain items. The decoration is integral. Using many layers of stained porcelain slips and inlays, rolled and stretched, a high density of colour is achieved. Sanding between firings gives a smooth matt finish. Her work is widely exhibited and in various prestigious collections, and won her the 1990 Inax Design Prize.

New Work for September - Merete Rasmussen

2009-08-30T03:40:00.000-07:00

“I create sculptural objects by working with curves and lines, and I’m currently using this to explore the concept of inner space and solidity. Surfaces that are twisted or bent into smooth and strong curves are fascinating – concave shifting to convex, inside to outside, etc.” Danish born and educated Merete has been living and working in the UK since 2004.

New Work for September - Valeria Nascimento

2009-08-30T03:38:00.000-07:00

Born in Brazil, she graduated with a degree in architecture in 1985. She was introduced to clay in 1986 and became fascinated by its possibilities. Her work is in stoneware and most recently she has been working with porcelain producing pieces on a large scale, wall panels and installations.

New Work for September - Sophie Cook

2009-08-30T03:36:00.001-07:00

Sophie Cook studied ceramics at Camberwell School of Art 94 - 97. She is currently throwing porcelain bottles on the wheel. Her vibrant glazes embody subtle, sculptural shapes to create fluid almost luminous forms which suggest a contemporary feel to a traditional craft.

New Work for September - Ian Byers

2009-08-29T07:11:00.001-07:00

“In my work I often set out in one direction with a form and then introduce new elements which challenge the assumptions and convictions of the first idea. I suppose I am aiming to reveal something about both elements by that interaction.”

Ian Byers, the author of ‘Raku’ has taught, lectured and exhibited in England and Europe.

New Work for September - Jonathan Wade

2009-08-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

Jonathan Wade studied at Bath Spa University College graduating in 1996. His making techniques and influences are varied with the art and design of the Far East being the strongest inspiration at present. Contrasting elements are an important part of his work. This may materialise in loose decoration or soft glazes over tight forms.

New Work for September - Emily Myers

2009-08-29T07:07:00.001-07:00

Emily studied at Camberwell and Bristol School of Art. Has been working as a studio potter since 1989. Her stoneware is distinctive for its strong controlled thrown forms and intense barium glazes. The thrown pots are often faceted or carved creating interesting new forms and textures. She is on the Crafts Council Selected Index.

New Work for September - John Pollex

2009-08-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

John Pollex commenced his pottery career working for Bryan Newman and Colin Pearson. He set up his workshop in 1971 producing traditional slip decorated ware. In the mid 1980s he changed direction, having long been influenced by American ceramics, admiring their bright colours and improvised forms. He sees his work as three dimensional painting, clay substituting for canvas.

New Work for September - Clare Conrad

2009-08-29T07:03:00.001-07:00

Clare studied ceramics at Bristol, graduating in 1987. Her stoneware is distinctive for its painterly exploration of texture and colour, applied to the exterior surface of the finely thrown form. She makes mainly bowls and vases, which are sold in galleries throughout the UK and has work in many private and public collections.

New Work for September - Paul Young

2009-08-29T07:01:00.001-07:00

‘I make a range of domestic and decorative earthenware. All work is thrown on a momentum wheel or handbuilt, but very often a combination of techniques is used. I am influenced by the European folk art traditions and early English slipware.’

New Work for September - Margaret Curtis

2009-08-29T06:58:00.001-07:00

‘The most simple of forms sometimes reveal new depths with every viewing. Subtle complexities first unnoticed become apparent, turning the notion of simplicity on its head.’

New Work for September - Tina Vlassopulos

2009-08-29T06:56:00.000-07:00

Tina Vlassopulos makes individual pieces from burnished red earthenware or coloured clays.

New Work for September - Emma Rodgers

2009-08-29T06:55:00.000-07:00

Confrontation, energy, capturing a moment, these are the elements that inspire and are reflected in the pieces Emma makes. Her work is slab built and made from white and off white bodies, T material, stoneware and porcelain. Since graduating her work has been exhibited worldwide and she has received much acclaim for her dynamic work.

New work for September - Geoffrey Swindell

2009-08-29T06:52:00.000-07:00

Geoffrey Swindell’s pots are thrown in porcelain. Sources of inspiration include marine creatures, fossils, tin plate toys, eroded objects. By extracting essential elements from these sources and reflecting them in his own imagery he hopes to create vessels with an ambiguous presence.

New Work for September - André Hess

2009-08-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

André Hess makes abstract, elusive shapes that require the viewer to question what they mean rather than puzzle over what they resemble. The work is both familiar and fugitive, but always evocative of the history and theory of clay. He uses any technique that fulfils the requirement. Surface treatments qualify what is already there, and are achieved using slips, oxides and frits only.

New Work for September - Beverly Bell-Hughes

2009-08-29T06:36:00.001-07:00

Trained at Harrow Studio Pottery course under Victor Margrie and Mick Casson 1967-69.

Her work is hand built and the shapes are governed by both the making process and her interest in natural forms and growth.

New Work for August - Hitomi McKenzie

2009-07-26T05:46:00.000-07:00

Hitomi Mckenzie works with porcelain. She makes functional shapes and individual pieces, combining beauty and function working in harmony, their forms giving the user a sense of joy. Hitomi likes to create communication, a ‘conversation’ between form and surface, each piece becoming an extension of how she responds to the movement of the wheel and the clay.

The work is thrown, then she dissects and distorts the shapes. The throwing rings are exaggerated to give the impression of folds of fabric, and a shiny transparent glaze is used to give a highly polished finish.

New Work for August - Laurence McGowan

2009-07-26T05:27:00.000-07:00

Laurence McGowan makes wheel-thrown functional work. Pieces include vases, jugs, bowls, dishes. He uses traditional Majolica brushwork techniques. Stain and oxide mixtures are painted on zirconium opacified Cornish stone glazes which are fired to 1260. The decoration is inspired by plant and animal forms and is applied both to enhance the form and also to reflect something of the exuberance of nature. Interests relating to the work include lettering/calligraphy, the Arts and Crafts Movement and the decorative arts of the Islamic World.

New Work for August - Dan Kelly

2009-07-26T04:56:00.000-07:00

Dan Kelly is committed to wheel throwing. He trained at Camberwell and, later, the Royal College of Art. His pots are a response to the tactile aspect of pottery as well as being drawn to the intimacy of the human figure.

Decoration is kept minimal. He uses dark metallic oxides with the occasional use of porcelain slip. His vessels range in size from small intimate pieces to larger more demanding pieces. Edges are left raw, showing the energy and spontaneous tactile nature of the clay. The metallic, graphite feel to the outside is sometimes contrasted with a high gloss dark glaze inside the vessel.

New Work for August - Lorna Fraser

2009-07-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

The inspiration for Lorna Frasers work comes from her love of gardens and gardening, with ideas being informed by the shapes and structure of plant life. She says "I like to explore the sculptural quality of plants whilst also trying to capture their vulnerability, fragility, and sensuality. My pieces are handbuilt using porcelain clay and, for me, its beautiful surface quality requires no glaze or decoration. My intention is that the whiteness of the work brings the form to the fore, emphasising the effect of light and shadows which are integral to the work."

Tim Andrews

2009-07-12T04:58:00.000-07:00

Specialises in smoked and burnished pots including raku. Trained with David Leach 78-79 and at Dartington Pottery Workshop 79-81. For number of years made mostly domestic stoneware and porcelain. 1986-93 shared studio with David Leach. Since beginning of 1994 working from own workshop in Devon. He favours strong classical forms with a variety of surface textures, impressed and incised decoration, fuming, lustres and other treatments.

Phil Rogers

2009-07-12T04:46:00.001-07:00

Exhibits in many galleries both in the UK and abroad and his pots are held in a number of public and private collections. Author of 'Ash Glazes' and 'Throwing Pots', past Chairman of the CPA. Most of his pots are thrown and then fired in either a down draught reduction kiln or salt glazed, making extensive use of wood ash and local rocks and clays for the glazes in both.

Claudia Lis

2009-07-12T04:42:00.000-07:00

Following the completion of her formal ceramics apprenticeship in Germany Claudia moved to the UK in 1997, where she worked as an assistant to Rupert Spira. Since the launch of her own Montgomery studio in 2004 Claudia has focused on developing a quiet body of celadon wares inspired by historic examples of oriental stoneware and porcelain.

Gilles le Corre

2009-07-12T04:40:00.000-07:00

Born Quimper, France. Trained at Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts 1975/79. Currently working from his Oxford studio, making thrown and sometimes altered stoneware pots. All are glazed with layers of fused colours to enhance the functional shape.

Charles Bound

2009-07-12T04:34:00.000-07:00

Charles Bound was born in New York City. After graduating in 1962 with a degree in English he divided his time between the USA and Africa. Charles didn’t come to study ceramics until 1983, setting up a studio while working as a college technician and teaching. In 1994 he built wood fired kiln, which he has been working with since.

John Higgins

2009-07-12T04:02:00.000-07:00

John Higgin's work is handbuilt and constructed from highly textured clay, which may comprise of slab and thrown components. Forms are loosely based around the vessel and are influenced by architecture and painting. Layers of colour are applied at different stages and fired to different temperatures using both reduction and oxidation firings.

Jonathan Wade

2009-05-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

At present, the art and design of the Far East is Jonathan Wade's strongest inspiration.

Jonathan uses various making techniques. Contrasting elements are an important part of his work. This may materialise in loose decoration or soft glazes over tight forms or in the use of non-ceramic materials.

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Gabriele Koch

2009-05-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

Gabriele Koch is interested in the vessel as an abstract sculptural object. She concentrates on simple forms which sometimes emphasize the relationship between internal and external space, or the movement or stillness within the form.

All pieces are hand built and burnished to achieve a tactile sensual surface. Some recent pieces have incorporated texture thus creating a contrast between rough and burnished surface areas. The distinctive patterning which complements the form is achieved in a carefully organized secondary smoke firing.

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Ruth King

2009-05-31T08:03:00.000-07:00

Ruth King's pots are handbuilt using various techniques of construction to produce individual pieces in salt-glaze stoneware. Ruth has exhibited throughout Britain and has work in a number of collections including; Victoria and Albert Museum, London, Castle Museum, Nottingham, Ulster Museum, Belfast.

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Carolyn Genders

2009-05-31T06:05:00.000-07:00

Carolyn Genders says of her work ; ''Living in the country I cannot ignore the seasons and the consequent transformation of the landscape throughout the year. This influences my work and referring to landscape studies in my sketchbook and the marks and brushwork of my life drawings, I work intuitively on forms developed from organic sources. Responding to the material, enjoying the rhythm as I move around the form, I make marks of depth and variation, scratching and scraping through layers of slip, revealing the clay and emphasising the dryness of engobe or the softness of burnished slip; the silky surface emerging as polished as a sea worn pebble. I work spontaneously, creating forms and surfaces that evoke the feeling I have when I am part of the landscape, not illustrating it but striving to convey nuance of shape, balance and mass and creating mood and atmosphere."

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Sarah Dunstan

2009-05-31T05:51:00.000-07:00

Sarah Dunstan is fascinated by collections of objects: from the very small and personal such as scent bottles, and the mundane such as sardine tins, through to large architectural forms such as Gaudi buildings.

She collects images, using her sketch book for drawing and painting, but also as a scrapbook. Feathers, fabric and packaging are glued in next to photos. These photos are fragmented memories of places visited; a close up detail of a Greek sign perhaps, or advertising on a French café wall.

Sarah decorates rolled out sheets of clay, using various techniques including painting and printing with coloured slips. The pieces are then put together using paper templates to create the final form - similar to the patterns that her mother used as a dressmaker when she was a child.

Some final pieces are purely ornamental but some tell a story.

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Emmanuel Cooper

2009-05-31T05:26:00.000-07:00

Emmanuel Cooper makes individual pots, mostly in porcelain. These include bowls and jug forms. His glazes tend to be bright and rich and include turquoise blues and greens, nickel pinks and blues, yolk yellows. He fires to 1260 C using an electric kiln.

Emmanuel has been making pots since 1965. He is the editor of Ceramic Review and is the author of many books on ceramics. He has work in many collections including The Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Royal Scottish Museum, and is a member of the International Academy of Ceramics.

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Sandy Brown

2009-05-31T05:01:00.000-07:00

Sandy Brown trained in Japan. Her work is now widely exhibited internationally. Sandy makes expressive lively pots that show the tactile sensuality of clay with fresh spontaneous decoration. She runs workshops on Intuition and Creativity and lectures and demonstrates world-wide.

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John Berry

2009-05-29T05:36:00.000-07:00

John Berry's figures reflect a love of fantasy and folklore. His work is derived from Staffordshire figures, together with contemporary painting and sculpture.

The hand built individual pieces are made from buff stoneware clay, decorated with underglaze colours.

John Berry studied architecture at the University of Westminster, painting at Central St. Martins and ceramics at Wimbledon School of Art. He has work, including prints and drawings, in the collections of the Tate Gallery, London; The Imperial War Museum; The Welsh Arts Council; KLM Holland.

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New Showcase of Work - 2nd June to 5th July 2009

2009-05-27T07:24:00.001-07:00

Sarah Dunstan

In addition to our permanent display, we will be showcasing the new work of 8 makers, who are members of the Craft Potters Association.John Berry, Sandy Brown, Emmanuel Cooper, Sarah Dunstan, Carolyn Genders, Ruth King, Gabriele Koch, and Jonathan Wade.

The work has started arriving and it promises to be an exciting showcase. For more information see our page on Facebook.

Emmanuel Cooper

Carolyn Genders

Gabrielle Koch

Jonathan Wade

Ruth King

John Berry

Sandy Brown

Contemporary Ceramics at Collect 2009

2009-05-15T06:27:00.000-07:00

Some great photos from Collect to share with you.

Lisa Hammond

Susan Disley

Aneta Regel Deleu

Martin McWilliam

Kaori Tatabyashi

Sandy Brown

Gareth Mason

Facebook

2009-05-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

For more updates, news and events please check our page on Facebook.

2009-05-03T06:20:00.000-07:00

Sandy Brown

Contemporary Ceramics at Collect 2009

15 - 17 May 2009

Saatchi Gallery,

Duke of York's HQ, King's Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 4SQ

Contemporary Ceramics was representing 8 makers at Collect 2009. In addition to some familiar names, this year we were also showing work by several new and emerging artists.

Makers represented:

Sandy Brown, Susan Disley, Lisa Hammond, Gareth Mason, Martin McWilliam, Aneta Regel-Deleu, Kaori Tatebayashi.

Gareth Mason

Martin McWilliam

Lisa Hammond

Aneta Regel Deleu

Susan Disley

Kaori Tatebayashi

Sophie Cook

2009-04-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

Sophie Cook Bottles October 2009

Porcelain Bottles 2009

Walter Keeler

2009-04-28T06:23:00.001-07:00

Saltglazed Oval Jug

Trained at Harrow School of Art before the Studio Pottery Course was established.First studio 1965, present studio since 1976. Maker of functional pottery of an individual nature in salt glazed stoneware, some in earthenware.

Peter Beard

2009-04-28T05:28:00.001-07:00

Stoneware Vessel

Makes thrown and hand build individual pieces mainly in stoneware. High and low temperature glazes with colour pigments are used to achieve matt and fluid textures giving a wide range of pastel to strong colours.
Author of 'Resist and masking techniques'.
His work is represented many private and public collections.

Fenella Mallalieu

2009-04-28T05:15:00.000-07:00

Fenella talking about her work:
"In the twenty years I have been potting I still enjoy making pots on the wheel. I love the immediacy of the process and the fluidity of the material when wet. Similarly, my love affair with lead glazes, which began as a student at Goldsmith's College in the early eighties, has continued ever since, often against the prevailing wind of fashion.
More recently, a new body of work reflects a stay in the tea plantation hills of Southern India, where every view contains a dozen shades of green, each subtly different yet startlingly intense."

Valeria Nascimento

2009-04-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

Anemones Installation

Valeria Nascimento draws much of her inspiration from the natural world. Her work uses repetitive sequencing with separate elements, to create cohesive sculptural groups. Valeria works with porcelain which has the smoothness and malleability she needs to create new shapes. She manipulates it, in some cases, to appear defiantly weightless. She is principally interested in creating large-scale wall installation pieces.

Blossoming

Antonia Salmon

2009-04-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

Holding piece

Antonia Salmon is known for her fine burnished and smoke-fired sculptures. Her interest is in creating striking, contemplative forms that sit with poise.

Antonia takes inspiration from natural objects, archaeological artifacts and the landscape near to her home.

Large Vessel

Annabel Faraday

2009-04-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

Annabel Faraday 2009

Annabel Faraday makes illustrated stoneware pieces, that document the richness of places in flux. Her work is concerned with moments in time; before the demolition starts or the sanitising obliterates, at the point where nature and the elements have begun to transform.

Annabel employs a unique method of printing with iron, onto slabs of raw clay coated with slip. She uses her own photographic images, and collages from old maps and documents. The vessels are then hand built from the printed slabs. The forms retain a simplicity which provides a canvas for the multi-layered, detailed imagery.

Annabel Faraday 2009

Jenny Southam

2009-04-25T04:19:00.000-07:00

Woman Reclining In Her Garden

Jenny Southam works in low-fired terracotta which she decorates with slips and oxides. The figures are celebratory. They explore mythical and domestic themes, and are informed by the patterns and rituals we construct to keep our world sane and well-ordered. Each piece is a one-off, although Jenny will revisit certain subjects and themes. The decorative slips are used in an intuitive manner and echo the emotional rhythms of the pieces.

Man Cutting Hedge

David Allnatt

2009-04-24T05:10:00.000-07:00

Two Double Walled Bowls

Recent work by David Allnatt uses the structure of double-walled bowl forms. He is interested in the concept of positive and negative space, and the relationship between the inner and outer form. Much of his inspiration comes from the landscape and natural forms.

The pieces are hand built using coiling and press moulding techniques. David has developed his own glazes which produce richly coloured and textured surfaces.

Doubled Walled Vessel

New Makers at Contemporary Ceramics

2009-04-22T08:13:00.000-07:00

Photograph (left to right)
Susan Disley, Aneta Regel Deleu

A New Home For Contemporary Ceramics

2009-04-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

Contemporary Ceramics opened at Somerset House on the 20th March 2009. Fans of our previous address on Marshall Street will remember us for the variety of makers and work that was on display. Ranging from hand thrown mugs through to sculptural forms and stand-alone vessels.

Our new gallery in Somerset House provides a classical setting in which both functional ceramics and stand-alone pieces sit side by side. Although smaller than our previous venue, we aim to exhibit an interesting group of makers. In addition to our regular work we will be showing a selection of different makers each month, some of whom are new to us.

Contemporary Ceramics
Courtyard Room, South Building
Somerset House
Strand
London
WC2R 1LA

+44(0)207 836 7475
contemporary.ceramics@virgin.net