Lockdown has enabled an Isle of Wight artist to complete unfinished projects, hand-painted artwork in the form of wall panels, and stand-alone sculptures, created to visually excite and stimulate.
Andrew Dowden’s ceramics has evolved and is now instantly recognisable, distinctive for its unique, bold and organic designs and surface textures: modernist “Tumbling Squares” that do not tumble; “Cubes” with innovative designs, displayed to fascinate; tall, still, reverent “Standing Stones”, to name just a few of the sculptural work available, all constructed by hand with slabs of clay and hand-decorated. Ideas come from many sources: engineering, architecture, ancient monuments, historical events.
Andrew says that “Ideas are all around – you just have to be able to see them.”
His artwork in oils may not be as familiar as his ceramics but, nevertheless, Andrew’s mixed media wall art presents itself in three-dimensional form, together with sculptural pieces.
As with his ceramics, Andrew’s “paintings” have also been constructed – from the board and frame – as a former carpenter these are made by Andrew – to the constructed pieces and surface textures, layered onto the board to create a cohesive whole.
The artwork is innovative and fascinating, inspiration acquired from many sources, including Bob Dylan song lyrics – “Turbulent Space”; ancient rock formations – “Giant’s Causeway”, and many simply from Andrew’s own creative imagination.
Not to be missed, the “Summer Show” at Quarr Abbey Art Gallery will exhibit a diverse and distinctive body of work – individual, stand-alone ceramics and wall panels, together with oil-painted wall art and sculptures – all by one designer.
Andrew will be in attendance at the exhibition so this will be an opportunity to purchase direct from the artist. A percentage of all sales goes to Quarr Abbey, a registered charity.
The exhibition runs from Thursday, 8th July to Tuesday, 13th July, 10:00 to 17:00 daily at the Quay Arts Centre. Admission is free.
