Conversations: South West Sculptors' Association

“The sculptors themselves delight in the conversations they have directly with their materials and invite you to lose yourself in the group’s exhibition. You may be stirred by the texture of carefully carved and polished wood or the inherent lustre of patinated bronze. You may find yourself intrigued or become involved in a humorous narrative as a ceramic story unfolds in front of you, like a comedian picking out the hidden details from our lives.”

Ani Buckland first studied ceramics at university in California in the 1970s, and progressed to designing ceramic jewellery and facilitating clay sculpture groups in community mental health services. More recently her focus has been on figure and portrait drawing and ceramics, and she enjoys collaborative projects and working to commission.

A love of classical and contemporary sculpture and a playful nature combine in Isabel Coulton’s work. She has trained in London and Florence and works in wood, stone, clay, concrete, plaster and scrap, and her greatest love is carving.
“Creation for me is a like a love affair, full of ups and downs, frustrations and anxieties, but at the end of the day a wonderful partnership that nourishes and fulfils my whole being.”

"The main area of exploration for my work is the human form and its connections to nature, feeling and relationship. My pieces are built up in coils of clay; sculptural and occasionally functional, they seek to celebrate the body in its many forms. I draw on a mix of imagery from my life, my Dartmoor environment, my travels, my friends and my dreams. I strive to create work which explores the vulnerability and wonder of the human condition with reverence and with humour. I feel my work is created in a strange inner world of dreams, emotion, archetypes and nature's wildness."
Tati Dennehy

“My principle work and passion is stone carving: creating fluid forms which invite tactile journeys. Although not directly figurative or representational, the pieces explore different moods and qualities such as poise, protection, expectancy, inspiration, dialogue and expansion. The sculptures aim to be housed in dwellings and landscapes where they can stand with a quiet presence and dignity, addressing the imagination of the viewer.”
Angela Homes

Jean Lock’s focus is the figure, and both her drawings and her sculptures are taken from the model. Although she works mainly in clay, which is then cast in bronze resin or bronze, she also enjoys building with papier mache and wire, and has recently been experimenting with small conversation groups of figures seated on wooden benches, inviting the viewer to reposition the figures to create a personal response.

Anne Marie Moss works in stone: some pieces are inspired by nature, with organic abstract forms nestling one inside another, while others explore the human condition with themes including family groups and the mother and child. Most of her work is in locally sourced stone, and she welcomes commissions.

David Newman has been carving in stone since 2008. Much of his work has been experimental: taking random stones, exploring them, and finding a pleasing form within. Twisted forms interest him, particularly those showing a tension, and he likes to reveal the tactile qualities of stone. More recently he has worked in a clay life class and is developing an abstracted response.

Pippa Unwin has always been fascinated with stone and carving.
“I learnt the traditional skills from stonemasons. My work is practical and nonsentimental. I mostly carve the natural form, but I am inspired by the art and architecture of different cultures, geometry and nature.”

Luke Shepherd has a fascination with the mystery of the human head.
“A portrait is finished when it embodies the life essence of each sitter. I am able to transform the clay so that it breathes the very life of the model, both visually, energetically and representationally. Engaging in a magical process of observation and investigation to rediscover the language needed to transform the clay beyond mere technique or idea. Simplicity and quietness allow for more to be seen and a strong and direct likeness to emerge.”

www.swsculptors.co.uk

For more information visit http://www.harbourhouse.org.uk/gallery-southwestsculptorsassociation15.html