Sussex Arts Collective

Sussex Arts Collective COLLECTIONS 2020

The Cuckmere Room Crypt Gallery, Church Street, Seaford

Due to COVID-19 Collections 2020 some exhibitions have been cancelled until further notice.

Collections 2020

The countdown has started! In just a few weeks the Sussex Arts Collective will be making their long anticipated return to The Crypt Gallery to launch their ARTWAVE 2020 exhibition COLLECTIVISTS!.

The delayed ARTWAVE festival will probably be the first event of its kind and will come as a blessed relief to those who have been starved of visual art for so long. Saturday 5th September ours doors will be flung open to welcome you with open arms; of course at a suitably social distance.

It’s the greatest pleasure to introduce you to this month’s featured member, Chris Ford. Having only just joined this year his exquisite pots were an immediate hit at our one and only COLLECTIONS exhibition earlier this year. Without a doubt you’ll see his work in the ARTWAVE exhibition.

Collections 2020 SPOTLIGHT: Chris Ford

Chris grew up on an estate for workers at the Atomic Energy establishment at Harwell Berkshire. His early life was dominated by the sciences – studying biology at university becoming fascinated with embryos and how they start as a single cell transforming into organisms of such varied shapes character. In 1975 he settled in Brighton where he lectured at Sussex University on the subject. He was inspired to take up a pottery evening class after watching the Michael Casson BBC series on the hooked and continued attending for the next 20 years, primarily as a relaxation from work.

In 1996 he joined a small group taught by Chris Lewis at South Heighton Pottery that had been set up by Ursula Mommens in the early fifties. At that time the pottery had a two-chambered wood kiln and a natural gas kiln. Chris gained experience firing both types of kiln as well as learning how to throw a range of tableware and make larger pots in sections. Retiring in 2005 he took up a part-time job at the pottery where in return he was given space to make his own work.

He has a longstanding interest in glazes containing wood ash, particularly those that generate refractory blue (chun) colours. Working with Chris Lewis he was able to experiment with ash from a range of sources craft of the potter. Having tried the wheel he was

in a recipe by Michael O’Brien. His current glaze using ash obtained from a local fish smokery, was derived from these tests. His colour palate is created by using reduction-fired stoneware glazes; glazes fired in the kiln with reduced oxygen. He uses a dark, high iron glaze (tenmoku), a low iron blue green glaze (celadon), and ash glazes made from willow, holly, fruit tree and oak. The chun blue colour on some of his pots arises from the interaction of the surface ash glaze with an underlying high iron layer. High-fired pieces are also more durable and suit work used daily.

Six years ago he set up his workshop. He prefers making domestic ware which has a function. All work is thrown on an electric wheel (including chess pieces) and modified afterwards if required. Recently he has started using porcelain, adding stained porcelain to partially thrown unstained porcelain. The resulting pieces are dynamic with splashed stained patterns.

Covid-19 Social distancing and hygiene measures strictly observed

G. F. Sinclair Ltd Interior Furnishers Summer Sale Starts Monday 3rd August

Curtain and Upholster Fabric, Remnants and Household Goods

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Rottingdean Whiteway Centre Adult Education and Leisure Courses

Are we Down? Are we Out? No, we are not… As many of you know,we were able to run some courses via Zoom during lockdown. This was thanks to our valiant tutors and a dedicated volunteer Course Organiser.

And so... Drawing on this experience, work has continued for the Autumn term. Most courses will be delivered via Zoom, while a few will be held in the Centre, with social distancing.

Because... The courses provide a first-rate antidote to boredom and loneliness … people can get to know each other, practise new skills and turn their minds to something enjoyable and stimulating. 2020 Autumn Term 21 Sep-4 Dec : half term 26-30 Oct Let yourself fly! 2021 Spring Term 11 Jan-26 Mar : half term 15-19 Feb

●Art - Painting & Drawing - many options ●Art History - Art and Visual Culture ●Languages - French, Italian, Spanish, at various levels ●Current Affairs ●Music – Introduction to Baroque ●Archaeology ●Yoga – two options Full details of the courses can be ●IT Workshop found on our website rwc.org.uk where bookings can also be made. ●Creative Writing ●Continuing Bridge ●Counselling ●Ancient Foundations of Modern Politics ●Introduction to the Life of Buddha and his Teachings ●Astronomy – Exploring the Solar System ●Mindfulness and Alexander Technique ●Landscapes of SE England ●Crafters’ Club ●Introduction to Social Anthropology

Courses run for one or two terms.Students enrolling for two term courses are expected to commit to attending the Autumn and Spring Terms.

Prospectuses and Enrolment Forms are available at the Centre and local Libraries.

George Bradbury Enquiries: rwcinformation@gmail.com or07913 753 493