Every month, we have the privilege of showing studio ceramicists with well established reputations for their skills and creative endeavour. Sandy Brown, by any criteria, is a maker of international standing. The very fact that her work is in over 30 museums worldwide is testament to her status.

Sandy’s abstract decoration is instantly recognisable and her work has a timeless quality. She has undertaken huge projects, which are well known but, by contrast, she continues to make tea bowls, plates and strong sculptural pieces. This is an important show of her work for Bevere Gallery as it is a number of years since she last had work here.

Personally, I feel she epitomises ceramic art; she has produced original and striking work –  year on year – for several decades. I know it is another cliché but it is so true; her creativity is boundless.

She has been the subject of two major Arts-Council funded solo touring shows; has had numerous shows in USA, Japan, Holland, Germany, South Africa and Australia. She has been  a guest presenter at ceramic art Conferences in USA, UK, China and Australia, and to do residencies in China, Denmark, Germany and Australia. There is little more I can say that would better underline her reputation as a maker and an advocate for contemporary ceramic art.

I am also particularly pleased that we will be showing work of Shelagh Spear the ceramic sculptor whose work has always been well received. Apart from the obvious quality of her making, what we see is an entirely original voice which is undoubtedly hers alone. She has let us have a stimulating and diverse set of pieces which I am sure wil be much enjoyed by our visitors.

Samantha Silverton has been on our must show list for some time. This young maker is another ceramic artist whose vessels are enhance by her abstract decoration and vice versa. It will be good to have her work here, particular given the high level of creativity which is on display this month – she certainly adds to it!!

We are delighted to report the arrival of a new group of Adam Buick‘s Moon Jars which replenish our diminished stock of his finely thrown and decorated pots. They have always been in demand.

Neill Curran won our Graduate Show in 2014 and has shown here ever since. His latest vessels show the development of his making and creativity. His use of glazes produces stunning effects which truly enhance his thrown vessels.

A significant backdrop to the ceramics this month is the painting of  Jen Gash who was the Sky Landscape Artist of the Year winner 2018. Jen works from a combination of sources – drawing and painting outdoors, using her own photos, old photos and other found sources. She usually starts her work in acrylic, removing sections of paint before it dries and then works back in with thin, vaporous oil paint. This process lends itself to the often ethereal, emotive state that Jen enjoys exploring.

Importantly, Sandy Brown has agreed to join us for our Makers Lunch on Saturday 5 October.  Make sure that you have a place at this important event with one of the UK’s most respected makers by contacting the gallery and making your booking.