| Artcore is pleased to invite you to Forming of Terra, a ceramic-based artist talk taking place at Artcore, Charnwood Street this Friday!
About the Talk:
Forming of Terra, is a ceramic-based artist task taking place at the Artcore Gallery in Derby. Elizabeth Woledge, director of the Royal Crown Derby Museum Derby will be leading the talk with a specific focus on the history of ceramics in Derbyshire.
The Royal Crown Derby is one of the oldest remaining porcelain manufacturers in England with a history of some exquisite commissions. Their reputation for the use of fine bone china is unsurpassed. The talk will also feature Artcore’s resident artists for the ongoing ceramic residency, Terra. Hayley Blackwell and Kate-Langrish Smith will be sharing their insights of the residency so far as well as their own practices.
Following this, David William Simpson will give an introduction to TOASTED ceramic fair, a midlands-based fair where currently 37 potters showcasing their work in a wide range of domestic, decorative, thrown, sculpted and designed ceramics.
Speaker Bios:
Kate Langrish-Smith
Kate Langrish-Smith, as an artist, explores the realms of mixed media encompassing clay, plaster, found materials, spaces, and photography. Her artistic endeavours are dedicated to a profound investigation into the materiality, form, and tactility of objects, all within the context of their intricate relationship with the human body.
Within Kate’s practice, a compelling exploration unfolds, centred on how bodies of both material and humanity conform and perform in various, often unexpected, ways.
Kate’s artistic journey is marked by a passionate pursuit of fusion, balance, and harmony within textured, haptic, and chromatic compositions and assemblages. These creations, often described as sculptural “moments,” seamlessly blur the boundaries between the temporal and the fixed. With each piece, Kate seeks to evoke a contemplative response, inviting viewers to ponder the allure of materials and shapes. Her work challenges and enriches the symbolic function and value assigned to these diverse objects while prompting a deeper examination of our complex relationships with them.
Hayley Blackwell
Hayley Blackwell’s artistic focus centres on ceramics. Her work is a testament to her expertise in a wide range of techniques, from hand building and press moulds to wheel throwing, all skillfully employed to bring her creative visions to life. At the heart of her work lies Earthstone clay, the medium she artfully wields to craft her pieces.
Within her artistic endeavours, Hayley purposefully emphasises the dynamic interplay of texture, colour, and pattern.
Elizabeth Woledge
Dr Elizabeth Woledge has been the Director of the Royal Crown Derby Museum for three and a half years. Her work promotes the stories associated with the factory, the people and the plates. With a background in public engagement and education Elizabeth cares deeply about sharing the museum’s collection and using it to facilitate creativity and storytelling wherever possible.
Elizabeth will use some key items from the museum’s collection to give you a quick overview of the story of Royal Crown Derby from 1750 to the present day. See some of the stunning things made across three factories in Derby and hear about the beautiful handmade bone china they still make on site today.
David William Sampson
“We come to love not by finding the perfect person but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.” – Sam Keen, 1997
David William Sampson is a full-time ceramic artist working at the Long Eaton Art Room. Here, he creates work inspired by the aforementioned quote. The ceramics he produces reflect the beauty in imperfection. In ceramics, features such as cracks, pin-holed glazing, and the mixing of clay and patchy slips are often considered defects. However, he has built a body of work that enhances and celebrates these imperfections. Each piece is still beautiful and valid in its own right, crafted with confident construction and finishes.
Some may look at these creations and feel an instant parental instinct, only to discover upon closer inspection that they are decapitated, have broken faces, or are damaged in some way. This leaves people unsure of how to feel, evoking a mixture of emotions. It is precisely this element that sparks intrigue and conversations. Some individuals may be uncertain about whether to be scared, to dislike, or to love them even more.
These are all intriguing little characters, each possessing unique temperaments, from princes to clowns, with apomorphic elements creeping in. These children simply want to play, be loved, and be adopted into a new family.
David William Sampson is also the driving force behind the TOASTED Ceramic Fair. David initiated TOASTED as a Northern Potters event aimed at supporting local potters in selling their work. It rapidly evolved into something much bigger and more exciting, taking place at Derby Museum. At this event, 37 potters will showcase their work, and attendees will have opportunities to witness live demonstrations, listen to talks about potters’ lives and work, and participate in ceramic children’s workshops. The event is scheduled to occur at Derby Museum and Art Gallery on The Wardwick on the 23rd and 24th of March 2024.
Event Details:
Date: October 20, 2023 Friday
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Venue: Artcore, 3 Charnwood Street, Derby DE1 2GT
Book your place: https://bit.ly/artcore-fot |
