Artist's Statement

The constant factor in my work is the inspiration of pattern and texture in landscape. My college training in dual disciplines, ceramics and illustration, lead to my fascination for the use of imagery in ceramics.

I spend periods in drawing and photographing, before getting involved in a sequence of making derived from these observations. Living and working in the Pennines has heightened my awareness of the changing colours and textures of hills, woods and moorland. Landscape is seen as the apparent random juxtaposition of areas of texture and colour, both naturally occurring and affected by the hand of man.

Current Work

Work generally available from:
Stokoe House Gallery, Alston, Cumbria (own Gallery)
Northern Lights Gallery, Keswick, Cumbria
Fairfield Mill, Sedburgh, Yorkshire
Coach House Gallery, Coniston
Strands, Dumfries

Technical Information

In the last 4 years work has concentrated on 2 dimensional pieces. Large triptychs and wall and floor panels to sell in our gallery and made to commission. These are mainly based on landscape themes with the shapes of the tiles cut to enhance the designs.
A partnership has developed with Pinehaven of Alston to produce tables of all sizes usually in English Ash with landscape tiled inlays by Syl. There are usually examples in our Gallery, but these can also be made to commission

History

Syl Macro was trained at Newcastle College of Art between 1960-1964, gaining the National Diploma in Design, specialising in Ceramics and Illustration. In 1965 Syl was awarded the Arts Teachers Diploma by Leicester College of Art.

She taught art and crafts full time in Newcastle until 1970, then Further Education pottery part-time in Durham and Sunderland. Syl has given lectures and demonstrations throughout the north, including a residential course.

A committee Member of Northern Potters Association from 1990, with special responsibility for administration of the annual Northern Potters Festival of Ceramics; Vice chairman from 1992 - 1994.

In 1985 Syl opened a pottery workshop and showroom at Blackfriars Craft Centre, a restored l3th century monastery in Newcastle, where she made and sold her pottery until 1997.

In 1995 Syl and husband Ray, purchased a l6th century building in Aston, Cumbria , which they have gradually restored and opened as Stokoe House Ceramics Gallery, with studio and workshop. The ground floor gallery displays the work of Syl and Ray, whilst the 1st floor gallery shows changing exhibitions of other potters work.

Training and Experience
1960-1964 - Newcastle College of Art - National Diploma in Design, specialising in Ceramics and Illustration.
1965 - Leicester College of Art - Arts Teachers Diploma .
1990 - Northern Potters Association - Committee Member (Vice chairman 1992 - 1994)

Group Exhibitions

Group Exhibitions
1980 - 1985 - Northumbrian Craftsmen Exhibitions at:
The DLI Museum, - Durham
Preston Park Museum, Middlesbrough
The Queens Hall, Hexham
Central Library Gallery, Newcastle.

1991 - 1997- Northern Potters Association Selected Exhibitions:
1991 - Cleveland Craft Centre
1992 - Mercer Gallery, Harrogate
1992 - Washington Arts Centre, Co Durham
1992 - Gray Art Gallery, Hartlepool
1993 - The Manor House Gallery, Ilkley, Yorkshire
1993 - Contemporary Ceramics, Marshall Street, London "Clayworks 3"
1994 - Lotherton Hall, Yorkshire
1996 - Potfest, Penrith, Cumbria
1997 - The Harris Gallery, Preston
1997 - Potfest, Penrith, Cumbria
1998 - Potfest, Penrith, Cumbria
1998 - Potfest, Perth, Scotland
1998 - Cumbria Craft Guild Selected Exhibitions. Grizdale, Cumbria
1999 - Potfest, Penrith, Cumbria
1999 - Potfest, Perth, Scotland
1999 - Cumbria Craft Guild Selected Exhibitions. Grizdale, Cumbria
2000 - Potfest, Penrith, Cumbria.
2000 - Potfest, Perth, Scotland
2000 - Cumbria Craft Guild Selected Exhibitions. Grizdale, Cumbria
2002 - 2005 four further school mural projects in Northeast of England working with potter and colleague Sue Sharp.

Solo Exhibitions
1979 - LYC Gallery, Banks, Cumbria.
1981 - LYC Gallery, Banks, Cumbria.
1982 - Bede Monastery Museum, Jarrow, Tyne and Wear.
1983 - Buddle Arts Centre, Newcastle
1983 - Metal Arts Precinct, South Shields.
1984 - Bede Monastery Museum, Jarrow, Tyne and Wear.
1985 - Metal Arts Precinct, South Shields.
1986 - Gossipgate Gallery, Alston, Cumbria.
1989 - Gossipgate Gallery, Alston, Cumbria.
1992 - Gossipgate Gallery, Alston, Cumbria.
1993 - Bondgate Gallery, Alnwick, Northumberland.
1994 - Pyramid, York.
2000 - Stokoe House Gallery, Alston, Cumbria

Publications

1998 - Colour in Clay by Jane Waller, published by The Crowood Press
1999 - Potters Workshop by Jenny Rodwell, published by David & Charles.

Commissions

Church of the Sacred Heart, Gosforth - font cover and decorative panels.
Chalices and pattens for refurbished St Nicholas church, Durham.
1989 - Panel to commemorate the opening of BBC's new regional headquarters, Newcastle, unveiled in 1989 by Prince Charles.
1992, 1993 & 1994 - Communion sets for International Methodist Conference's, Newcastle, Nottingham & Leeds.
1992, 1993 & 1994 - Decorative wall panels for Jarrow 900 years celebration.
1992, 1993 & 1994 - Decorative wall panels for Middlesbrough 150 years celebration.

Projects
2000 - Tiles in Eden - A millenium project funded by Eden Arts. Has jointly led 3 separate community tile making projects, which has resulted in 3 ceramic panels installed in Alston Town Centre.
2001 - THE WADER PROJECT - Community Tile Mural and Way Markers at Rookhope in Weardale, sponsored by R.S.P.B. and The Countryside Commission.
2001 - Tile Mural with Portland School, Sunderland, commissioned for opening of new school building.