THE CURATORS VIEW – October 2023
October 5th – 28th
JACK DOHERTY and CRAIG UNDERHILL
The vagaries of the UK weather system have tended to merge the seasons of the year. Whilst it is sometimes confusing, one thing that Bevere Gallery can predict is that we will continue to show artists and makers of distinctive quality. This month we have two ceramicists whose work has been featured here for many years however this will be the first time they have been shown together. They are makers of contrasting approaches to their craft; both have maintained an original creative voice over a prolonged period – such is the depth of their creative spirit. We know that our visitors will enjoy seeing their work together with the many other fine makers we will be displaying.
Jack Doherty has been present at Bevere Gallery almost since we began to focus on the display of contemporary ceramics. His thrown work has wide appeal, and his shaded monochrome decoration adds something distinctive to each of his pieces. We know that in his early years as a maker, he had a studio filled with a wide range of decorative materials which over time reduced to just one or two glazes. His work gives emphasis to elegant shaping of vessels of assorted sizes with the application of his chosen shading. He has lived and worked in Cornwall for some years now and his colouration has responded to the light and special impact of the sea in the far West of England.
Craig Underhill is based in Cornwall after many years in the Midlands. He is best described as an abstract artist in three dimensions. His work has become popular for several reasons, including the fact that his work is entirely a singular voice. Slab building is his most often used technique which facilitates his abstract imagery very well. David Whiting once said that his objects explore clay as a strong ground for his resourceful interpretations of landscape, objects that evoke the colour, space and texture of our changing environment. We often say that our visitors need time to look at pots and get underneath the inspiration and the processes that are involved. Craig’s work responds well to looking.
craig underhill ceramics
We are also delighted to report that we have just received three large and very impressive pots from Jitka Palmer whose work we have been showing for a considerable number of years. These vessels demonstrate Jitka’s immense creativity and her continual observation of the world around her. Her use of colour and the way she uses ceramics as her canvas never cease to impress.
Nigel Edmondson has been a regular exhibitor at Bevere for many years and his creativity has been highly sustained. We have had a group of outdoor work from him which will add something special to any garden. Nigel is driven to continue his work following the loss of his artist wife Libby. They were together for a long time and his focus on ceramics is helping him through his loss. Our thoughts are with him.
This is already an impressive group of makers, and we can add another – Chris Carter. It is no exaggeration to call him a Master Potter and we have had the privilege of showing his work here since we began to specialise in contemporary ceramics. The new group of work on show highlights his elegant design and the use of texture rather than colour to give presence to each pot.
chris carter ceramics
