EMERGING Issue 34 January March 2024
Potters
Emerging Potters - 34
January – March 2024
Introduction The online pottery magazine Welcome to the New Year’s edition of the magazine. December seems to have brought a host of ceramic shows around the country looking for sales and to celebrate something of a return to normal. As part of a new found confidence and a new generation of people wanting to take-up a creative pursuit the sector looks very good. The London based group of studios Kiln Rooms are now about to open new premises in Farringdon, London. This has become an area much favored by the creative industries. The big shows are due to happen soon – Collect from the Crafts Council is at Somerset House in central London and Ceramic Art London (CAL) which moves from King’s Cross to Kensington Olympia West. It will be interesting to see if visitor numbers are affected? Later there is New Designers in Islington. Tim Fluck, who is featured in the magazine is one of the
Cover: Tim Fluck who is showing at CAL for the first time.
The magazine is an independent journal. The publishers do not accept any liability for errors or omissions. The views expressed in the features are not necessarily those of the editor. Reproduction in part or whole must be with the consent of the editor. All rights reserved 2024.
new exhibitors to take part in CAL (featured above). The work and story of Jena Bedson (left) from Australia is one of the featured makers as is Susie Vittay (right). New to the magazine is a feature on a new group of makers in Bristol and their first public showing together.
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Collect 2024 Juliette Clovis Kilauea – Kinetic Garden series 2023 Porcelain, enamel and metal oxides on mixed techniques
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January – March 2024
Contents
Tim Fluck – Ceramic Art London
Collect 2024 – Jena Bedson Made London Susie Vittay Tim Fluck & CAL Book Review New Studio Book Review Bristol Potters
5-10 11-14 15-17 18-19 21-23 24 25-26 27-28 29-34
Collect 2024 BR Gallery Yingze Chen Rong 2023 Silver, Ceramic 10.8x33x10.3 cm £16.000
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Collect 2024 Gary Betts Polar 2023 Clay resin H 43cm £3,900
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Emerging Potters – 34
Collect 2024
January – March 2024
Crafts Council ‘Collect’ Show 2024, London To mark twenty years of Collect as the leading authority on collectable contemporary craft and design, is again presented by the UK’s Crafts Council and taking place at London’s landmark destination Somerset House from 1 to 3 March. Launched in 2004 as the first international fair dedicated to contemporary craft and design, Collect is committed and continues to raise the profile of exceptional contemporary craft to the collectors’ market on an annual basis. At a time when contemporary craft has never been more sought after with an active buying market, Collect continues to offer an unparalleled opportunity to acquire new, museum-quality work from living artists internationally – all made within the last five years, and many commissioned especially for the fair. Focusing on exclusivity, reputation, rich narrative and thoughtful curation - seeking variety and diversity in its content and vision, a line-up of close to 40 specialist galleries from across the globe, representing over 400 artist makers, have been selected by an expert advisory panel for this milestone edition. Alveston Fine Arts . Lindo & Bill Brookes Cry Baby 6
Emerging Potters – 34
Collect 2024
The range of disciplines and materials at Collect spreads widely including ceramics, glass, lacquer, furniture, art jewellery, metalwork, textile and fibre, wood and paper, and pieces embracing more unusual materials such as resin, mica, corn-starch and plastics - as well as reused, repurposed, and recycled materials. Alongside the international galleries, Collect Open, the fair’s platform for experimental proposals and installations by individual artists and collectives, will present 14 exciting new projects by artists hailing from Canada, Portugal, and from all over the UK including Northern Ireland. Collect Open participants are selected by a separate expert advisory panel and are invited to produce work that challenges material, social, political or personal perceptions.
January – March 2024
“Reaching this milestone edition reinforces not only Collect’s pivotal position as the authority for contemporary craft and design but also strengthens London as a leading cultural destination for the craft and design sector. The fair has continuously pushed boundaries to bring the best in class of new artworks to the market allowing collectors to buy with confidence. The diverse range of galleries for this edition, representing the most exciting international artists making work today, provide yet again exceptional rich content to explore,” shares Isobel Dennis, Collect Fair Director.
…The fair has continuously pushed boundaries to bring the best
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Emerging Potters – 34
Collect 2024
Gallery and Artist Highlights for Collect 2024: For its 20th edition, Collect welcomes new galleries alongside a dynamic and diverse roster of established gallerists nurturing emerging talent, including: Joanna Bird Contemporary Collections (England), as special mention for Joanna who has participated in Collect for every edition over the past 20 years, will present new works by London based Insta-hot ceramicist Florian Gadsby. Founded in 2018, common sense gallery (Austria) will be the first Austrian gallery to exhibit at Collect presenting the works by two artists including New York-born Spencer ChalkLevy who uses tapestry and sculpture to explore themes of mortality and ideas of society, alongside new ceramics by Lebanese artist Tamara Barrage. Craft Alliance Atlantic Association (Canada) will curate an exhibition entitled “Here & Now”, celebrating the powerful indigenous history of craft making in Canada including carved masks by Gordon Sparks, ceramics by Nancy Oakley and sterling silver woven baskets by Shane Perley-Dutcher.
January – March 2024
exhibitor to Collect, represented internationally and in Chatsworth collection. Olivia Walker – creating a triptych for Collect which is her biggest wall installation to date. Enemark &Thompson – New series . James Devereux – New glass sculptures of shipwrecks from one of Vessel's best glass makers and professional diver. The line-up of artists at this year’s fair features powerful narratives around identity expressing complex messages through their artistry, including: Alveston Fine Arts (England) will curate ‘A Voice’ in a multi-artist presentation including Julia Hall's hand embroidered paintings of marginalised and refugee women telling their stories of fleeing their countries to come to the UK; ceramic artist Anne Athena whose practice expresses her unmasked, ‘true voice’ as a female artist diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and ceramic artist Simon Dredge, whose current body of work is inspired by the use of Polari in the 1950s, a secret language used within gay communities in the UK.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) will present a collection honouring Irish makers who have participated in Collect over the past 20 years. Founded in 1999, Vessel Gallery aims to be a major London destination for all those who appreciate contemporary artglass sculpture and decorative lighting. Highlights so far from list: Steven Edwards – First time
The Stratford Gallery Sayaka Shingu Erosion 2022. Mixed clay bodies, pigment and glaze. 17x23x20 cm £1,995
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Emerging Potters – 34
Collect 2024
January – March 2024
Cynthia Corbett Gallery. Emile Taylor. Tubthumping pot 2023. Handbuilt stoneware , bespoke 9ct gold transfers
New to Collect, The Stratford Gallery (England) will spotlight the ceramic works from first generation mid-career female artists from Japan and Korea who have not always been given the recognition in the past including Sayaka Shingu, whose fragile ceramics embody the dark, sombre and fleeting nature of flowers, but also, human life. Founded in 2021, Galerie REVEL (France) showcases visual artists historically marginalised within Western art discourse and will bring a group presentation of 8 emerging artists including textile artist Talia Ramkilawan, whose work focuses on her analysis of self, family, friends, lovers, queerness and her South African Indian identity and culture, and Colombian-born artist Juan Arango Palacios who portrays memories, fantasies, and archetypes associated with the endurance of queerness in contexts that challenge their existence. 50 Golborne (England) will curate 'Heritage and Transmission' - a showcase of new works by artists of African heritage including a series of ceramics made in collaboration by a fatherdaughter artist duo composed by Chris Bramble (father) and Freya Bramble-Carter (daughter). jaggedart (England) will focus its presentation on textiles and weaving with organic materials and words, including the works by Iranian born multidisciplinary artist Batool Showghi, whose work is concerned with her cultural heritage, memory, identity and loss as a means to examine the physical limits that women can experience with regard to cultural and religious boundaries.
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Intoart (England) challenges the underrepresentation of people with learning disabilities through integrated programme of art education, professional development and innovative public programming. For Collect, the gallery will present new works by three artists including Dawn Wilson, whose drawings depict figures from communities in Jamaica, Mali and Democratic Republic of the Congo and who will create new ceramic slab tiled drawings using black clay, with incised drawn line and slips.
Emerging Potters – 34
Collect 2024
Further pushing the boundaries in the exploration of materials on display at Collect, other key highlights, include: Founded in 2019 and specialising in silversmithing, BR Gallery (China) will create a dialogue between East and West to bring together the works by 11 Chinese artists and 4 British artists including Yingze Chen, who creates intricate pieces combining porcelain and silver, and David Clarke, who is often cited as one of Britain’s most highly innovative silversmiths. Bullseye Projects (USA) will debut the collaborative work by Joshua Kerley and new artist Guy Marshall-Brown using combining Kerley’s innovative Pate de Verre works with Marshall-Brown’s expertise in 3D printing and rapid prototyping. The curation of Lloyd Choi Gallery (South Korea/England) will explore the contemplative aesthetic of Korean craftsmanship through the work of established and emerging crafts practitioners, including beautiful new wood sculptures by Mok-su.
January – March 2024
Collect Open: Adrienne Rogers (Canada; textiles) Alison Rees (UK; ceramics) Andrea Spencer (UK; ceramics) The Post Colonials (Divya Sharma & Emmanuel Boateng) (UK; textiles) Ash & Plumb (Dru Plumb & Barnaby Ash) (UK; wood) Emily Gibbard Ceramics (UK; ceramics) Jo Fairfax Studio (UK; 3D printed corn starch) Browning Lewis (Karen Browning & Jon Lewis) (UK; glass and metals) katrin Moye (UK; ceramics) Kye-yeon Son Fine Craft (Canada; metals) Kyra Cane Ceramics (UK; ceramics) Marita Setas Ferro (Portugal; textiles) Botanica Textiles (Natalie McCormack) (UK; textiles) CoucouManou (Nell Beale) (UK; wood)
Siat Gallery (South Korea) will curate "of material significance", showcasing various types of craft works of Korean artists, celebrating the mastery of these artists in transforming seemingly ordinary materials into extraordinary works of art, including the innovative work by designer Joohee Han who creates jewellery and objects made of eggshell and silicon. FIVE (England) will present ‘Colour’ exploring the metal colouring processes like patination, plating, inlay, alloying, oxidisation and weathering to create larger, dramatic pieces and finer work.
Goldshiths’ Fair. Ella Fearon-Low.. Hundreds and thousands brooch and cake stack 2022. Oxide silver, 9ct gold, hand carved Lucite, freshwater pearls, coral beads, carved wood, paint. H6xW10 cm.
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January – March 2024
Emerging Potters – 34 Jena Bedson
Jena Bedson When I was 12yrs old my parents sent me to a Summer School to do a week of pottery (making work on a kick wheel) and a week of life drawing, coming away from that experience feeling I had found my calling (my dharma), I just wanted to make pots.
Australia has become an international centre for ceramics. Here we look at the career and story of Jena Bedson in her own words.
" My interest in ceramics began at an early age. I was a creative child and loved to make things with my hands. Growing up in an area in Victoria, Australia where there were a number of artists, potters, painters, etc…it was the 1970’s and pottery and other crafts were very “fashionable”. Alternative building methods were popular here too, mud brick, rammed earth and although my parents were pretty conventional I felt a deep sense of “belonging”. Being very influenced by my environment and the alternative lifestyle movement at the time.
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What followed was pottery lessons at Potters Cottage in Warrandyte (a pottery school and gallery close to my home) . After high school I worked for 12months in a studio run by a local potter, Christine Wright. There spending hours just watching her on the wheel. It was an informal training arrangement. This helped me to become clearer about the direction I wanted to head. In 1980 I moved to Queensland (QLD) and worked in the studio of a potter called William Reid. He was immensely generous and gave me a unique opportunity to work from his established studio while I studied for a Diploma of Ceramics at Brisbane College of Advanced Education (CAE). Later working in a couple of large potteries in QLD honing my skills. There were a number of young people from different parts of the country and overseas who worked in these studios, Javeenbah Pottery and Cronulla Pottery. Then I set up my own studio at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast producing and selling a range of domestic ware. Above: Layered clay vessel.
Emerging Potters 34 Jena Bedson
The work has changed in many ways over the years. At the beginning I was making utilitarian pots as the notion of making work I could use daily really appealed to my sensibilities. About ten years ago I began hand building. This coincided with my return to full time study in Art Therapy. Following the training I began working in mental health with clients who enjoyed the therapeutic benefits of making with clay.
January – March 2024
Left: Studio entrance Below: Interior studio display area. Below right: Figurative garden sculpture, 90cm x 45cm, oxide and underglaze, Midfire
As a passionate gardener, hand building lead me to create a range of garden art. My love of creating visual stories within landscapes continually influences the direction of my work. It’s natural for me to embellish the landscape that surrounds me, to make my mark. This is my connection to “home”. The studio these days is a beautiful light filled space that inspires the work I create. Previously I’ve worked in tiny spaces the size of postage stamps over the years but was very fortunate eight years ago to find my current property….a blank canvas to create a unique studio. For me the process of carving designs and creating texture on clay is completely absorbing. It has a meditative quality to it which is totally focused on the work.
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Emerging Potters – 34 Jena Bedson
January – March 2024
The work encompasses a range of different styles. The Layered Clay Vessels are a mixture of these textured and carved surfaces, organic & earthy layers of clay, embellished with driftwood and handmade beads. Other more figurative pieces take on a story-book like quality. These works relate to my love of storytelling and my connection to the child within. I often create these pieces for memorial gardens or meditation spaces. Symbolism and metaphor also play a role in my work, particularly with the large Totems. I make a series of shapes often inspired by my connection to the earth/ the natural world and to my practice of meditation and introspection. These totems often depict sculpted faces with closed eyes (representing turning inward) then thread them onto steel rods pressed into the earth. Most of my pieces using rolled out slabs of clay are combined with rolled coils. Often making a prototype of a piece in a solid form and while the piece is leather hard I create a plaster cast of the original so the work can be reproduced. I decorate my work with oxides, slips and underglazes on Feeneys BRT my preferred clay for garden sculpture, firing to cone six in a gas kiln, often incorporating a gentle reduction. In the early years the work was sold at markets and through galleries, plus retail craft shops around Australia. When I moved to my present property here in Warburton, Victoria (a rural village outside Melbourne) eight years ago the garden here became my gallery. I decided to open my studio to students and ran classes and workshops that were booked 12 months in advance. I also have an established Airbnb called “Away with the Birds Retreat” where students would stay while doing a weekend workshop. The studio and garden is opened once a year as part of The Yarra Valley Open Studios. This is where I sell work I’ve made throughout the year (this one weekend attracts upwards of 300 visitors to my studio).
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Emerging Potters – 34 Jena Bedson
January – March 2024
More recently I have started doing commissions and in the last two years have created an online store to sell a small range of work internationally. Much of my time these days is spent designing & filming online ceramic workshops. I had been teaching in-house workshops from my home based studio for many years but decided to move my business online following the pandemic. Australia is certainly a hub for artists working in many mediums. The perception of contemporary art/ceramics appears to be one that is widely accepted and appreciated . Venues have popped up near and far to highlight ceramics/sculpture . In my area alone there are a number of contemporary gallery spaces such as Tarra Warra and Yerring Station in the Yarra Valley that hold regular exhibitions highlighting works by leading and emerging artists. The Australian Ceramics Journal a publication by the Australian Ceramics Association (which I am a member) has been around for over 50 years and its member base has grown exponentially over the years.
Above: Figurative garden sculptures ‘The Three Sisters’, oxide and underglaze, midfire. Flower mandala wall hanging, 35cm x 75cm, underglaze and clear glaze, midfire.
I began my journey as a potter back in the late 1970’s and I’m delighted to say my interest hasn’t waived, inspiration arrives in many forms….. the well seems never to run dry. instagram @jena_bedson_ceramics FB Jena Bedson Pottery Workshops www.jenabedsonceramics.com 14
January – March 2024
Emerging Potters – 34 Made London
Made London 2023 Many of the traditional shows have re-appeared following Covid. A visit to ‘Made London’ back in November was an example of how vibrant the sector is for those showing for the first time, and those wanting to try a new venue. In this case it was at the Angel in the heart of Islington. Here we have captured some of the work on show.
Rachel Smith Ceramics
Justine Allison
Ania Perkowska
The Little Globe Company 15
Sarah Grove
January – March 2024
Emerging Potters – 34 Made London
Naked Clay Ceramics
Carolyn Tripp
Kirsty Adams Ceramics
Paul James
Design Nation Eradu Ceramics
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January – March 2024
Emerging Potters – 34 Made London
Jill Desborough Clare Palmer Ceramics
Saeri Seo
Harriet Caslin
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January – March 2024
Emerging Potters – 34 Susie Vittay
Susie Vittay She has been fascinated by the relationship between clay, earth, and the beauty of wildlife from an early age. These elements come through in her work subconsciously, resulting in a personal narrative evoking comfort, warmth, and happiness. Susie was born and raised in Hungary and has been surrounded by traditional arts and crafts her whole life. Her ancestry draws on the entire Carpathian basin, and the rich patterns of traditional ceramics and embroidery are a strong source of her inspiration.
In front of her garden studio
Imagine series
She developed her ceramics over 12 years alongside her day job as a diagnostic pathologist. Her specialism in tissue analysis of histology patterns under the microscope have a crossover with her deep interest in texture and pattern in art. After 20 years in the NHS she decided to focus on ceramics as her long time passion.
Vases -Imagine series
Dreamland – Pourer, thrown and altered porcelain, layered monoprint slip decoration (inspired during Covid lockdown)
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Emerging Potters – 34 Susie Vittay
January – March 2024
Dreamland – Bowl, thrown porcelain, layered slip transfer with textured background
Following many years of regular classes at Aylesford School of Ceramics, she completed certificates in City & Guilds in Creative Studies, the BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Ceramic Design and the Full Time Residential Ceramics Course at Forest Row School of Ceramics. She also attended several masterclasses with well-known studio potters, mainly working with porcelain. Based in rural Kent, Susie currently works from her garden studio surrounded by the countryside. She produces batches of thrown porcelain, with some altered and hand built pieces. Her ‘Homebound’ and ‘Dreamland’ collections are intended for functional domestic ware, each individually handmade but sitting well in a group. In these collections Susie uses slip trailing and layered slip transfer decoration techniques respectively, applying the designs intuitively and spontaneously. In a separate range of sculptural decorative pieces ‘Imagine’, she uses a more contemplative design exploring the natural environment surrounding us (e.g., water, rocks, forests). The serenity of nature, traditional crafts of her homeland and the exploration of patterns in a contemporary setting culminate in pieces satisfying to hold and reflecting the love with which they are made. Instagram: @susie_vittay Website: In progress
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Below: Vases- Imagine series. Decorative pieces, thrown and altered white stoneware and porcelain, inspired by the sea, waves and shorelines .
Emerging Potters – 34
January – March 2024
Potfest Provisional Shows for 2024 Potfest South East - Glynde Place - May 10th, 11th & 12th Potfest in the Pens - Penrith (Spring) TBC Potfest Scotland - Scone Palace - June 7th, 8th & 9th Potfest by the Lake - Compton Verney - June 21st, 22nd & 23rd Potfest in the Park - Hutton-in-the-Forest - July 26th, 27th & 28th Potfest Suffolk - Haughley Park - Aug 9th, 10th & 11th Potfest in the Pens - Penrith (Autumn) TBC Potfest in the Pens - Melton Mowbray - November TBC New shows for 2024 Potfest South West Potfest Scotland Christmas www.potfest.co.uk
Ceramic Art London 19-21 April 2024 Kensington Olympia West 20
Emerging Potters – 34 Tim Fluck & CAL
January – March 2024
Tim Fluck & CAL One of the most important and prestigious show of the year has to be Ceramic Art London (CAL) which is produced by the Craft Potters Association. So, for any aspiring maker who has recently graduated it is of prime importance to have their work showcased internationally. This is the case for Tim Fluck, and this is his story. He commented, “I have just graduated from an MA in Ceramics from UCA in Farnham. The course was excellent and gave me the freedom to explore, experiment and develop my practice. The tutors and technicians were really supportive, and it was the ongoing dialogue with them that helped me find my identity as an artist.
The Elusive Promise of Utopia' Series, no.1, 2023, Porcelain, 25x10x15 cm
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Already he has showed at BCB’s Fresh 23 and was one of the 4 Fresh winners. “Initially I studied Fine Art with a focus on photography. Then spending twelve years working as an Art and Photography teacher. It was whilst teaching I discovered ceramics. I found an old wheel in a store cupboard and taught myself to throw in the evening after work. Then after a few years I decided to focus on ceramics full time.
Emerging Potters – 34 Tim Fluck & CAL
January – March 2024
“My work is an unlikely mix of Brutalism and Memphis. It is very architectural yet acknowledges the visceral nature of ceramics. I am drawn to strong forms and bold designs, and enjoy the complexity of creating precise and bold forms. “At home I have a garden studio. It’s a fairly small space requiring me to be clever with how I’ve built in storage and work surfaces. It’s been great to be able to develop the space as my practice has changed. Next, I would definitely like to expand, though it does the job for now. “The next big break has been to be accepted for CAL in 2024. The application involved writing a 100-word artist statement, and a selection of six high-resolution examples of my work. Plus I also needed to write 100 words on the process and the concepts behind the work. It was certainly tricky to edit down to such a small word count. There was a £30 application fee and you needed to select what sized stand you wanted, these ranged from 2 x 1m to 5 x 1m, with the cost increasing gradually.
The Elusive Promise of Utopia' Series, no.3, 2023, Porcelain, 20x10x15 cm
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Emerging Potters – 34 Tim Fluck & CAL
January – March 2024
“There doesn’t seem to be any guidance on amount of work you need to have available for the show, only the limitation of the size of stand you are allocated. One thing I didn’t realise was that I need to provide furniture to present my work, such as tables and plinths. This does up the cost slightly and I will need to design this carefully in order to display the work in an appropriate way.
The Elusive Promise of Utopia' Series, no.4, 2023, Porcelain, 10x10x10 cm
“But even with these restrictions it is an exciting opportunity. I have wanted to exhibit at CAL ever since my first visit. I never imagined my work would make it there. The primary objective is to use CAL to showcase my work to a wider audience and network with galleries and collectors, hopefully leading onto other projects. It would also be great to make some sales! “I always go to Collect and aim to exhibit there in 2025 if everything goes to plan”. Already he has showed at the British Ceramics Biennial 2023 (BCB) Fresh 23 and was one of the 4 fresh winners. Apart from that he will visit Potfest and keep an eye open for any other ceramic exhibitions.
http://timfluckceramics.com/ @tim_fluck_ceramics
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Tim Fluck in his studio studio
Emerging Potters – 34 Book Review
January – March 2024
Just Published...
Ceramics Masterclass By Louisa Taylor and published by Thames & Hudson The practice of ceramics is steeped in history and tradition. For thousands of years humans have exploited the versatile qualities of clay as a material to produce items ranging from humble utilitarian vessels integral to family living, right through to exquisite works of art.Ceramics Masterclass explores this diverse discipline by showcasing 100 of the most innovative and inspiring artists past and present, analysing the techniques and methods used to create the works, and the concepts which underpin their creative process. It shows how to recreate intricate stilllife dioramas like 15th-century artist Bernard Palissy, explore narrative like Grayson Perry and convey sensitivity to material like Phoebe Cummings. Arranged thematically, Ceramics Masterclass includes chapters on vessels, batch production, sculptures, figurative works, installation and expanded field.
This is one of the most exciting books you will own. With so many examples of work there is bound to be a maker to inspire you.
An exploration of the artistic process, methodology and techniques of 100 great ceramic artists, offering both practical advice and inspiration. 288 Pages. 24.2 x 19.9cm. 268 images. Cost £20 plus post and packing ISBN is: 9780500295717
Written by Louisa Taylor, an awardwinning ceramicist and lecturer, this book is perfect for students, amateur ceramicists and professionals, this book represents a global perspective of historical and contemporary approaches to clay and be a catalyst for discovery and intrigue. Available via online store: https://thamesandhudson.com/ceramic s-masterclass-9780500295717
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Emerging Potters – 34 New Studio
January – March 2024
New London Studio for Kiln Rooms Fourth studio for The Kiln Rooms in London and this time it’s Farringdon. Ben Cooper from Kiln Rooms explains their thinking.
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Our fourth studio will be a purpose built teaching space, under 200m from Farringdon station, central London. It’ll host a range of courses & workshops for people of all levels. Opening March 2024. Address: 11 Eagle Court, London. EC1M 5QD. We've been looking to open another teaching studio for some time and also wanted to branch out of Peckham! Although our hearts are very much in South East London we have been looking for a studio elsewhere and we fortunately found one that ticked all the boxes in Clerkenwell. Not only was the space just right but it's on a quiet street, under 200m from a major transport hub.
Emerging Potters – 34 New Studio for Kiln Rooms
January – March 2024
Kiln Rooms new London studio…
There's also a variety of places to eat/drink on our doorstep and it's only a few minutes walk to Barbican and Exmouth Market.
Education is at the centre of what we do and whilst researching the area it became apparent that Eagle Court had been a school built in the 1870s, apparently notorious for its lawless students. It continued being a place of education after the First World War when London College of Communication took it over and today there's The Goldsmith's Centre opposite, which is an institution with which we share many values. There's also its proximity to the Barbican Centre and we've been following closely the plans for the redevelopment of Smithfield Market which will be the new home of the Museum of London. In short we weren't simply interested because it's close to Farringdon station.
We plan to host evening 12 week courses, shorter tasters (one-off and 5 week courses) and we’ll be fully set-up to host private sessions, parties and corporate events. The schedule will go live early January at which point we’ll start taking bookings. The current idea is to have evening courses Monday to Thursday and a 12 week Monday morning course. On weekends we’ll likely have a Saturday morning course and run taster sessions. If people want to register their interest and be one of the first to hear about the new classes schedule please email us: info@thekilnrooms.com Farringdon is served by a number of train and tube lines, including: The Elizabeth line, Thameslink, the Metropolitan line, Circle line and Hammersmith & City line. The following buses also stop very close by: 17, 40, 55, 63, 243, 341
Info: https://www.thekilnrooms.com/fa rringdon-studio
Opening a pottery in Eagle Court would keep with the tradition of education and creativity and we'll do our best to ensure our potters won't be as lawless as the 19th century artists were!
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January – March 2024
Emerging Potters – 34 Book Review
Just Published... Nerikomi The Art of Coloured Clay By Thomas Hoadley and Published by The Herbert Press Nerikomi: The Art of Colored Clay by Thomas Hoadley, published by Herbert Press. Hardback Price: £30. Ebook: £27 Order your copy at www.bloomsbury.com and receive 20% off across all formats of the book by entering the discount code Nerikomi20 at checkout! Offer valid from December 31st 2023 until March 31st 2024. ISBN 9781789941692. Published 18 January 2024. Herbert Press is an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing.
Thomas Hoadley is apprenticed with Vermont potter Malcolm Wright, who brought Japanese Karatsu-style wood-fired pottery techniques to the United States. Thomas later established a pottery studio in the Berkshires, Massachusetts. He holds a Special Judge’s Award from the 2011 International Ceramics Festival in Japan.
In this beautifully illustrated examination of the use of color in clay, this new book outlines the history and explores the styles and techniques used by the leading modern makers. Plus a 20% discount to readers of Emerging Potters magazine Mix two or more colors of clay as part of a piece’s design, and you are creating nerikomi. There are many techniques – stacking, stretching, slicing – but with nerikomi, the decoration is built and fired into the work’s very fabric, rather than glazing it later. This beautifully illustrated introduction by accomplished nerikomi specialist Thomas Hoadley includes: *A brief history of the origins and international styles of colored clay * A section dedicated to the most honored Japanese Masters of nerikomi *Stunning examples of work from the world’s leading experts *Step-by-step examples of many of the techniques employed Whether you simply enjoy the beauty of multicolored clay, or are seeking inspiration, this essential volume contains everything you need to embark on your own nerikomi projects. See sample pages over….
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Emerging Potters – 34 Book Review Nerikomi by Thomas Hoadley
January – March 2024
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Emerging Potters – 34 Bristol Makers
January – March 2024
Bristol Makers Left to right Chloe Monks, Guy Marshall Brown, Steven Sales, Alice Shields and Jessica Thorn
For a long time the magazine has been looking to highlight some of the major shows outside of London. To start the New Year this edition is delighted to look at the work of some of the makers working in Bristol. Formed one year ago, the group have been meeting for a monthly crit group at each other's studios. The five members are Guy MarshallBrown RCA Ceramics and Glass, Chloe Monks RCA Ceramics and Glass, Steven Sales MA Ceramics Bath Spa, Alice Shields MA Ceramics Bath Spa and Jessica Thorn BA Ceramics Arts University Plymouth. 29
The group ended 2023 with a group show at the Centrespace Gallery in Bristol. It is an artist-run, not-for-profit, affordable, semiindustrial 120sqm space, located in the centre of Bristol. Their ethos is to show fresh and interesting work across all art forms. They accept applications from established and mid-career artists, students & recent graduates with a special emphasis on encouraging new talent. In support of DIY culture, artists curate and install their own shows, invigilating and engaging with the public. The space can also be made available for experimental projects or as a temporary studio space to explore ideas.
January – March 2024
Emerging Potters – 34 Bristol Makers
Alice Shields
Guy Marshall-Brown will be exhibiting at Collect with Bullseye Projects, showing his collaborative works with fellow RCA Graduate, glass artist, Joshua Kerley. Chloe Monks will also be exhibiting at Collect, represented by QEST, showing an installation of glaze laden wall pieces. 2023 was a year of development for the group, investing their own time into their development and the exhibition. What follows will be them looking for funding in order to bring the show to other venues throughout the year.
Working independately Guy and Chloe work from their shared studio in Bristol. Steven and Alice are co-founders of Clay Shed - a co-working ceramic studio based in East Bristol and both work from this studio space. Jessica works from her studio in Centrespace, where the exhibition was held.
Chloe Monks
Guy is currently studying towards a PhD in Ceramic Practice and Architectural History and Education Systems Coordinator at the Glass School. Chloe is an Education Program Coordinator at the Glass School. While Steven is Cofounder and Director of Clay Shed, which includes Alice another Co-founder and Director of Clay Shed. Jessica is a part time lecturer in ceramics at Bristol School of Art.
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Emerging Potters – 34
Bristol Makers
January – March 2024
Bristol is known for its creativity, plethora of arts venues, exhibitions, artist studios, arts trails, and streets of graffiti… Above: Show on display at Centrespace Gallery
Steven Sales
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Emerging Potters – 34 Bristol Makers
Working in a major UK city has changed the opportunites for makers as compared with a decade ago. Bristol is known for its creativity, plethora of arts venues, exhibitions, artist studios, arts trails, streets of graffiti (due to Bristol being the homeplace of Bansky) and is full of budding artists. They have had some fantastic ceramicists, with Kate Malone growing up and studying at the former Bristol Polytechnic. Former teachers at Bristol include Mo Jupp and Walter Keeler - with a programme that churned out countless, now, well-known names within the british ceramics community. Bristol can boast of being the city of TripHop, which encapsulated the city's liberal, alternative and relaxed vibe in the early 2000’s. Dance music remains a powerful part of the city's character today.
Front to back Alice Shields, Chloe Monks, Guy Marshall Brown
January – March 2024
Steven Sales
Bristol has several large galleries which include: The Arnolfini Spike Island RWA (Royal West of England Academy) Bristol Museum and Art Gallery M Shed
Opposite: Alice Shields
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Emerging Potters – 34 Bristol Makers
Jessica Thorn
The show took place 25th to 29th November at Centrespace Gallery, 6 Leonard Lane, Bristol BS1 1EA
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Emerging Potters – 34 Bristol Makers
January – March 2024
Looking to the future the group want to address the lack of a space where high end craft meets art. There is lots of contemporary craft in the city, however the sphere in between is lacking. There are many ceramists working towards that standard but not where people can regularly view contemprary work and be involved. The show aims to address some of these concerns and recieved much feedback about how it was refreshing to see ceramics that was something other than studio pottery. For the group the exhibition went like a dream. The reasoning behind this is that they are all currently working with the same goals in mind, pushing the boundaries of their craft and material knowledge.
Instagram @guymarshallbrown @chloemonks__ @Steven__sales @_aliceshields @jessicathornceramics
Top right: Jessica Thorn Left and right” Guy Marshall Brown
Photograhy: Gallery images by Hattie Ellis and the studio shots by Guy Marshall brown.
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Emerging Potters magazine is published quarterly and can be found on the ISSUU platform. E: paulbailey123@googlemail.com Contributions to the gallery of work from makers and students are welcome and will be included wherever possible on a first come basis. Send to the email address. The editor’s decision is final. © Paul Bailey 2024