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Sophie MacCarthy and Richard Phethean’s established careers have embraced bold decoration and a joyous approach to colour through the use of slip on their earthenware pieces. In this exhibition Sophie’s classic forms and intricate stencil decoration sit well together with Richard’s meticulous abstract designs on curious constructed shapes.
Their passion for design and colour, alongside the similarities in their making process creates a complimentary combination of works that are a delight to see in this exhibition.
Sophie’s pieces, using a mixture of stencils and brushstrokes on traditional forms, appear to create movement and depth within each decoration. Floating leaves swim in front of your eyes upon her carefully crafted plates while birds rest on branches within wheel thrown mugs.
Richard’s forms stand proudly – each one so full of character that his abstract decoration could be likened to clothes draped across each piece.
Together Sophie MacCarthy and Richard Phethean celebrate a bold and joyous approach to colour through the use of slip on their earthenware pieces.
Please see our ‘visit us’ page for our temporary gallery opening times.
‘I build up the surfaces of my pieces spontaneously, riffing on ideas of space, narrative and joy. I get to a point where I can push things a bit, hoping something exciting will happen – and sometimes it does.’
“The work has a strong tactile quality, as does the natural world. I don't wish to imitate nature but aspire to echo the process of nature.”
“Everything created, either functional or decorative, has equal importance,
and the integrity of this thought is the driving force behind my daily practice as
a potter.”
The driving force behind all of Paul Jackson’s
highly decorated work is a desire to express
his Cornish surroundings, with their strong
sense of colour and style. Paul uses white
earthenware to form energetic vessels
which are then decorated with colourful
and painterly abstract decorative motifs,
some influenced by Russian or Islamic art.
Richard Phethean makes ceramics
using coarse textured red and black
earthenware clays referencing
ancient pottery as well as European
slipware traditions. Richard utilises
brush and resist techniques to create
cubist‑inspired abstractions that adorn
both his domestic vessels and altered
and assembled forms.