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.
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.
“The origins of [clay] lie in the enduring rock beneath our feet. The processes of firing that a potter uses to complete their work replicate some of the monumental forces which create and erode the matter of the universe.”
“Sometimes I make simple useful things, on other occasions my work is less straightforward, challenging the user to negotiate with an unexpected pot to do an ordinary job.”
Ant & Di Edmonds’ present work has been developed over the past six years. All the pots are coiled by Ant and subsequently pinched, scraped and beaten into shape. The decoration is applied by hand – a full time occupation for Di – between coiling sessions for Ant. The monochromatic designs and abstract patterns are drawn and adapted from many sources including Pueblo Pottery of New Mexico. USA and 1960s Op Art. Each of this couples’ magnificent vessels are dazzling accomplishments embodying the culmination of skill, passion and time.
David Binns’ carved and glazed ceramic forms evolve through an intimate and intuitive engagement with clay, involving both accident and control. Whilst drawing (indirect) inspiration from colours and shapes found in the natural landscape. David’s practice is shaped by a deep respect of the fundamental principles of Japanese aesthetics.
Paul Wearing presents a body of work that showcases the recent developments in his approach to form and surface. Symmetrical Ellipses have evolved and are contrasted with the dynamic Tilt Ellipse.
As the close of another year approaches, we celebrate our wonderful CPA members with a seasonal showcase of their work. From functional to sculptural and everything in between, our annual group exhibition offers a carefully curated selection of work for all tastes and all budgets.