Quarr Abbey will this week be hosting Andrew Dowden’s autumn exhibition – a collection of unique and distinctive, handmade, hand-carved ceramics and complementary textured wall art.
Ideas and designs for Andrew’s ceramic work come from various sources including nature, architecture and archaeology. Andrew says:
“Pottery has been made on the Island since Neolithic times. Learning about pottery and actually working through the different stages of each making process, has made me appreciate this ancient art”.
Article continues below this advertisement
Andrew was inspired to take up ceramics whilst researching a book on Isle of Wight pottery. He added:
“It’s sometimes surprising where inspiration comes from. When I’m out walking, almost everything I see conjures up images for possible designs. I make pieces for my own interest and satisfaction but I’m happy that people who buy my work appreciate it too”.
Ceramic tile panels, wall plaques and standing forms are popular with collectors, in particular Tumbling Squares, Standing Stones and Wheel Forms. All work is handmade and hand-carved, wheel-thrown, slab-built or a combination of making methods. Surface texture and form are Andrew’s main interest in ceramics, and textured designs have also been incorporated onto his oil-painted wall art. A carpenter for 20 years, Andrew made the teak frames from a 1950s sideboard.
The gallery will be open between Thursday 22nd and Tuesday 27th September from 10:00-17:00 each day. Admission and parking is free.
A percentage of all exhibition sales goes to Quarr Abbey. Quarr Abbey is situated on the main road between Ryde and Wootton.
