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CLAYART, quintessentially, a collaboration of five Essex female ceramicists, will showcase their work from 28 September to 14 October 2023 at the Maeldune Heritage Centre in Maldon, Essex. This show follows on from the artists’ first successful group exhibition in Wivenhoe in 2022.
This year, each artist will unveil clayart under the central theme of the Essex Winged Serpent, inspired by a centuries-old story about an encounter between a mysterious winged creature and a lone horseman. Dubious sightings of this dragon-like beast were reported in a local pamphlet “Strange News out of Essex”, printed in 1669, of which an original copy is held in the British Library.
Alongside the thematic pieces, the ceramicist will show a selection of their signature work from functional to fanciful, reflecting their love of clay and diverse influences. Ceramic interpretations of the Essex coastline, its countryside, and very diverse flora and fauna will feature. Other pieces will have East Asian, African or Scandinavian flavour, and imaginative figurative sculptures will bring a smile to one’s face.
Judith Annakie-Eriksen (JAE Ceramics) functional coiled and wheel-thrown vessels includes handbuilt sculptural serpent elements which reference the symbolism that the serpent is the provider of water or possesses healing powers.
(Image Copyright Annakie-Eriksen: Porcelain serpent sculpture)
Harwich based Ann Hebden’s hand-thrown Raku stoneware pays homage to oneof the driest counties in England and the flame effect which rolls around her pots reflects the fire of the Essex dragon. Her porcelain vessels are inspired by the bleached shells and seaweed near her home.
(Image Copyright Ann Hebden: Copper fumed porcelain bowl )
Jacquelyn Cade-Bowyer’s hand built porcelain and stoneware paperclay creations are highly intricate and showcase her passion for flowers and her beautiful garden. However, this year she is experimenting with more sculptural, less formal, pieces and will be incorporating some winged serpents into the decoration of some of her work.
(Image Copyright Jacquelyn Cade-Bowyer: Stoneware paperclay tile with dragon motif)
Based near Bradwell-on-Sea, Lucy Fowler predominantly builds in porcelain, producing delicate, individual decorative and functional pieces. Lucy lovingly creates her pieces using a wide range of textures along with mixing her own glazes to complete her work. She also runs local pottery workshops alongside pottery painting sessions in a picturesque farm location.
(Image Copyright Lucy Flower: Porcelain flower pendant)
Sandra Hall lives near Hullbridge and her work is inspired by medieval book illustrations and the characters in Alice in Wonderland. Mythical creatures from dragons and Green Men to witches, in stoneware and weatherproof for all-year display outside, evoke the worlds of our childhood and our dreams.
(Image Copyright Sandra Hall: Figurative sculpture of mummy dragon with baby)
Exhibition details:
CLAYART, quintessentially: Homage to the Essex Winged Serpent and other ceramic works will be at The Maeldune Heritage Centre, St Peter’s Tower, Market Hill, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4PZ (www.maelduneheritagecentre.co.uk), from 28 September to 14 October 2023. Free Entry to the public. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11h00 to 16h00.
Contacts for further information:
Judith Annakie-Eriksen at jaeceramicsuk@gmail.com, or
Ann Hebden at a.m.hebden@btinternet.com
Visit https://www.facebook.com/clayart.quintessentially for regular updates
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