It is high-fired stoneware with multiple matt glazes.  (H41 X W40 X D28 cms)

Clare Crouchman draws upon the intricate shapes and textures in the landscape for inspiration. She is intrigued by rhythmical and repetitive patterns that repeat themselves naturally on both a large and small scale.

The artist’s choice of materials and working methods are crucial to the desired outcomes. Ceramic materials go through a series of transformational processes, paralleling those of the natural world, which bring a strong physical dimension to her work. An influence of cities, mapping, mazes and labyrinths is evident.

Clare says: Contemporary physics has redefined how we understand the world. The ‘implicate order’ as proposed by the physicist David Bohm states that all things have an underlying ‘interconnectedness’. This theory resonates with the way that I instinctively see the world around me to exist. I have been intrigued by rhythmical and repetitive patterns that repeat themselves naturally on both a large and small scale. This fascination connects with Bohm’s view and is in line with other quantum theories that each small piece may contain a microcosm of the whole. This further suggests that nature is an orderly process in the ‘chaos’ of the world. 

Working intuitively, I sense the underlying connections and systems that reflect notions in quantum physics and the idea of unity. The resulting patterns or rhythms of lines are interrelating but there is not necessarily a sequence of events, more an underlying network of integration.

New Ashgate Gallery Trust, Waggon Yard, Farnham GU9 7PS, +44 (0)1252 713208 www.newashgate.org.uk

Best thrown exhibit: Richard Heeley; Best Handbuilt exhibit: Dianna Tonnison; Best functional exhibit Lindy Barletta; Best use of Colour Chris Norris

Best scuptural exhibit: Abel Kesteven; Best Decorated Lucy Richards; Best Trio of Work Claire Finlay; Most Humourous Clare Parkinson

Best Technical accomplishment Katalin Szallis

Judges commendations:

Diana Cox, Samantha Robertson and Diane Eagles

Judges:

Ceramicists Sophie MacCarthy, Gareth Mason and Morley Gallery Manager, Jane Hartwell

Prize Sponsors:
Potclays, Potterycrafts, studiopottery.co.uk, Top Pot Supplies, Bloomsbury Visual Arts, Ceramic Review & Northern Kilns

The show is on every November time AND there is still time to see it this year – on until 21 November 2012! Well worth a trip to London!

We’re only 18 days away from Art in Clay Farnham. Print a copy of this page for your 2-4-1 admission offer. You will need to bring this along to the show to take advantage of the offer. Please feel free to forward this email far and wide.

Talks and Demonstrations

SATURDAY 17th NOVEMBER
12:00 noon – Mark Smith ‘Wombling Around / A Load of Rubbish
Mark will make and assemble a piece of work so that you can see the making process. He will also discuss the importance of sustainable and reclaimed resources.

1:30pm – Elaine Peto ‘Hand-Building Animal Forms’
Slabs of clay come alive as Elaine demos and takes us through the making of one of her dogs.

3:00pm – Roger Cockram ‘In His Element’ (The Art & Science of Roger Cockram)
Roger will give a talk/demo on the recently published book on him by Alan Marshall. Signed copies will be available.

SUNDAY 18th NOVEMBER
12:30pm – To be confirmed

2:00pm – Marie Prett ‘Grumpy Acrobat on a Zebra’
Marie will demonstrate making the above and will tell you of her on-going fascination with the circus. Marie will also show slides of past work.

Opening Times: Saturday 10am – 5pm; Sunday 10am – 4.30pm

Admission: Adults – £5; Concessions – £4.50; Children 15yrs and under FREE

Location: The Maltings, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7QR

Alistair Hawtin, author of A Guide to Collecting Studio Pottery, published by A&C Black is selling a large part of his vast collection. This not just Studio Pottery, but also English country pottery, oriental pottery and saltglazed stoneware from England and the continent. There are also some Medieval pots. As a self-confessed “potaholic”, it is hardly surprising that the collection is going to be split into be at least two sales, the first of which will be on at Weller’s auction house in Guildford on Saturday 27th October.

Includes work by a host of famous and less famous – but top quality – potters such as Seth Cardew, David Leach, Sarah Walton, Abuja pottery, Svend Bayer, Glynn Hugo, Mary Rich, Lucie Rie, Janet Leach, Richard Batterham, Jim Malone, Tim Hurn, Charles Vyse and many more……

See on line catalogue

Viewing at the Guildford Riverside Saleroom, Bedford Rd, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4SJ Tel: 01483 802280 starts on 24 October. There is a special talk by Alistair Hawtin at 7pm on the 24th October entitled “Confessions of a Potaholic”

Programme for auction:

Oxford Ceramics New show – see details

Solo exhibition of Gabriele’s new work. (PV: 12 september 6.00pm to 8.00pm.) at the Contemporary ceramics centre in Russell Street (full details on events listings)

Alongside her traditional work are new pots which are forceful and graphic; a marriage of high-fired coarse black clay with white porcelain.

ARTSPACE at Barn Galleries near Henley on Thames this year celebrates 21 years of showing some of the best work on the contemporary art scene.  A much loved exhibition attracting over 5000 visitors during this two week show,  ARTSPACE offers you top names alongside newcomers to the ceramics world as well as sculpture in the gardens, paintings, ceramics, glass, jewellery and more.

Shown in the unusual rural setting of early 18th century timbered barns and extensive gardens, ARTSPACE always promises a fascinating day out with so much to see.  Now that ARTSPACE is to be biennial, there’s even more reason to be sure to visit in 2012. There are fresh ideas for display and layout, too, this year – make a date to visit and see what you think.  12- 27 May  10 – 5 daily  An Oxfordshire Artweeks event.

Stirring the Swarm is a ceramic installation that tells a curiously dark tale inspired by the collection of Entomology in the Natural History collection at Wollaton Hall, Nottingham. The exhibition lures viewers into this macabre story as they find these enchanted insects, gathered in the Castle after their journey from Wollaton Hall.

Anna Collette Hunt’s ceramics aim to rekindle a forgotten, childlike sense of curiosity and delight. Scenes from her Wall Dish series of intricately detailed and decorated plates, speak of historic grandeur and past traditions, whilst closer inspection reveals a sometimes sinister undertone. Each piece has a story to tell, tempting the viewer’s imagination to assign personal narrative to the assembly of images, forms and textures within the work. Stirring the Swarm develops this notion further by creating a fictional narrative that viewers can stumble into and follow, tapping in to the imagination of the artist. The exhibition has the atmosphere of a Brothers Grimm-style gothic fairytale, intended to stir imagination and incite curiosity, whilst fleeting and disjointed sounds add to the unease and discomfort of the installation.

A static swarm of 10,000 handmade ceramic insects infest the South Hall stairwell at Nottingham Castle, each one unique and strikingly beautiful. Dry, dingy creatures cling lifelessly to the walls, frozen in the viewer’s sight, alongside more dazzling ‘specimens’ that sparkle and shine with rich glazes and lustres.  Many also have missing limbs or wings to reflect their ancient and delicate condition – or perhaps they mutated during their escape, sprouting extra heads or wings: evolution and magic transforming the swarm into a new lifeform. The rich palette of gold, green, blue, brown and cream pays homage to the flocked wall paper of Wollaton Hall, the pattern of which has even sprouted on some of their wings.

The exhibition is a result of Anna’s preoccupation with historic houses. After reoccurring visits to Wollaton Hall, she was repeatedly drawn to Entomology, particularly to the fragility of the aging beetles within the collection and by the possible stories that could be crafted from them.  Stirring the Swarm was made in several stages:  as Hunt created the original models and their moulds, then a team of assistants made and glazed the 10,000 individual elements. Some insects have a trickle of gold lustre, which references the traditional technique of presenting insects in museum collections by pinning each one to a board. This particular aspect has also fallen into the story, where the enchanted beetles bleed gold from their wounds.

Venue: Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery, Off Friar Lane, Off Maid Marian Way, Nottingham. NG1 6EL

This work will be shown by Design Nation at Decorex International 2011, London (see Regina’s events). Regina says  ”I will have on display my new line of wall based ceramics, reminiscent of the tile tradition in architecture, yet three-dimensional, and a work of art. Available in subtle high-fired colours, including precious metals like gold, these sensual wall panels are ideal for bespoke and exclusive commissions ranging from individual pieces to site specific wall installations.
You will also have the opportunity to view samples of the “Regina Heinz” 3D-tile collection, exclusively designed for the American company ANN SACKS and launched in 2011. Composed from 6 designs and 36 hand painted colours, the collection is available at Ann Sacks showrooms across the US as well as at the new London showroom at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour.”