featured maker
Peter Wareing Peter trained at Manchester for a DipAD in 3D design during the early 1970s. It was there that he developed his passion for working in ceramics. After an extensive period teaching in Birmingham schools where he continued to maintain his enthusiasm for making things. Peter left in 2006 to concentrate purely on his own ceramic work. Since then he has evolved an individual and distinctive approach to the craft and shown his work extensively in the UK. Peter makes use of the ancient technique of tube lining, a way of drawing directly on to the pot which leaves a design with raised lines forming a barrier for the coloured glazes that are flooded on to the pot afterwards. He uses this in a contemporary way to create some expressive and evocative imagery. The pots themselves are mostly thrown on the wheel but he also produces some sculptural hand built forms and tiles. The imagery he creates has a number of influences which are often juxtaposed in complex designs which are then balanced by blank areas of the white porcelain. The shapes are based on natural forms found in woodland or on the sea shore and are also sometimes mixed with illustrations of the human figure. These are adapted from Peter's own life drawings. Early in 2011 Peter and his wife moved from Staffordshire to the ancient town of Whithorn in South West Scotland. It is here that he has set up his new studio close to spectacular coastal scenery and the Galloway Forest Park. Further details about Peter's work can be found on his web site: www.peterwareingceramics.co.uk
featured artist
Robert Ryan Robert Ryan originally started out his career as a metal worker. He confesses he had no interest from day one and says in his own words, that he was the worst metal worker on the Clyde! Moving on from metal work, he started a business buying and selling cars, improving them and spray painting. He did this for around twenty years, before opening a business with his brother Martin. Robert’s new business was a step closer to his creative nature, designing, making and selling mirrors with his brother, leading to a successful 15 year career, supplying large jewellers and gift shops with mirrors and frames. Later, Robert started to work on small decorative metal panels, stepping even closer to the work he produces now. Robert travelled to Australia on many occasions, living there for years at a time. Travelling the country led him through many colourful places such as Thailand and Bali, and is reflected in his work. When living in Australia, Robert worked for a special effects company, which gave him opportunities and inspiration to try new and different types of decorative work, eventually leading to his ‘glass canvases’. His jewel-like works have been an amalgamation of travels, experiences and memories. Each piece is totally unique, with Robert painstakingly applying copper wires, crushed gemstones and metal pieces into each piece of glass. He calls them ‘jewellery for walls’. To see more of Robert’s work, visit: www.gallerialuti.co.uk