Isle of Wight ceramics and mixed media artist, Andrew Dowden, will be showing a collection of unique and distinctive, handmade, hand-carved ceramics and complementary textured and 3D wall art painted in oils at the Quarr Abbey Art Gallery. Ideas and designs for Andrew’s ceramic work come from various sources including nature, machinery and engineering, architecture, and archaeology. Andrew was inspired to take up ceramics whilst researching a book on Isle of Wight pottery: A Century of Ceramics. Andrew says:
“Pottery has been made on the Island since Neolithic times. Learning about pottery and its history, and actually working through the different stages of each making process, has made me appreciate this ancient art. “I primarily make pieces for my own interest and satisfaction, but it pleases me to know that people who buy my work appreciate it too.”
Surface texture and form are Andrew’s main interest, and textured designs have also been incorporated into his oil-painted wall art. A carpenter for many years, Andrew also makes the frames for his wall art. Ceramic tile panels, wall plaques and standing forms: Tumbling Squares, Cube forms, Standing Stones and Wheel Forms, will be on show. Quarr Abbey is sited in tranquil grounds with landscaped gardens, the tea shop and farm shop being particularly popular with visitors. The gallery holds weekly exhibitions, and is one of the main venues for exhibiting local art on the Island, having built up a regular following since opening in 2011. This is an opportunity to view Andrew Dowden’s work and purchase directly from the artist. A percentage of all exhibition sales goes to Quarr Abbey which is a registered charity. The exhibition will run from Thursday 11th to Tuesday 16th July. The gallery will be open from 10:00 to 17:00 each day. Admission is free.
