![]() ![]() ![]() Non functional pots are rooted in 20th century modernist philosophy and practice: Elin Hughes quotes Martin Heidegger “the potters medium is not clay but space.” In abstract art the medium is the message and pots without a function rely on the skilful manipulation of clay to goad and tickle our senses and ignite our suggestive memory: they are also beautiful to look at, each angle revealing a different picture - light and shade on shape and space. ![]() Feminine whimsy is personified in a teapot like vessel with a spout, handle and complementary nipple, Elin has sourced designs but her flowers are hand drawn revived and relaxed they have broken free from 18c pattern books. Her new pots pay homage to the cobalt blue and iron red foliage and flowers motifs on Victorian Gaudy Welsh pottery, English and continental Imari ware. Shakespeare has forsaken the decorative appropriation of modernism, except for Picasso, who touches his right shoulder.Įlin is a Spring goddess, making vases, breaking vases and reconstructing vessels with such jauntiness and fluency of historical referencing they make the heart sing. He seeks the light and his latest paintings have an airiness - his marks stand alone, without the need to draw and colour every inch of space. Spencer Shakespeare is evangelical in his approach to painting and in his own life. Both these artists have presented new works which remind us that the illusion of lightness in painting or patterning is achieved by careful consideration of negative space. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |