Update.

I know I have been quite lately. Been busy working and making some new pieces. I am taking part in 'Present Makers' at Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton, Devon from 8th November - 20th December and Christmas Exhibition at Nicola Hurst Gallery on Royal William Yard, Plymouth from 7th November - 10th January. I have something big planned in January at London which I will say nearer the time. At the end of this month I will be doing a firing so will take pictures of the new collection, brooches and earrings and put them on my website.

Making A Disk Vessel

Making A Disk Vessel.

Every disk is put on one-by-one, layer by layer.

Finished Piece...

After 18 hours spread over 3 days I've finished making the piece that I made in my 1st year at Plymouth College of Art but updated it to my style. So instead of loops which I used in my 1st year I used disks which I developed on in my 3rd year.

The piece that I wanted to update from my 1st year.

Using disks and attaching them on the corners of the disks leaving a slit for the light to pass through. The disks are also thinner than usual so hopefully the transparency of the porcelain will show through too.

Next I will be looking in to using a lighter material to see if it is possible to create ceiling lights. As the weight of the ceramics will be too much I think.

Also if you are in the area don't forget that I am exhibiting at The Big Art Show in Shrewsbury, Shropshire on 19th and 20th July 10am-5pm http://www.thebigartshow.co.uk/ 

New Collection...

After a month of not making anything, I've finally found some free time yesterday and thought I'd try out a new idea. The disks are slightly thinner than normal so the light should be seen through the porcelain. I am up-dating a piece from my 1st year project 'Repeat Forms' where I made a loopy tea light holder. When it was lit it case diamond shapes on the walls.

Below is a close up of the beginnings of the new collection. It will be about 10cm tall.

Billcliffe Gallery, Glasgow

I am pleased to announce that I have 5 pieces in Billecliffe Gallery in Glasgow.
http://www.billcliffegallery.com/ 
134 Blythswood Street, Glasgow, G2 4EL

The Contemporary Craft Festival 2014, Bovey Tracey.

Got all set up for the opening of The Contemporary Craft Festival at Bovey Tracey, Devon yesterday afternoon The private view was in the evening. It opened to day at 10am to the public and will be open again on Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm. Do come and see all the amazing talented artists and designers in the South West. I will be there in the One Year On marquee stand OYO 6.

A Few Days Time...

In just a few days I will be exhibiting at The Contemporary Craft Festival in Bovey Tracey, Devon. On Thursday I ordered the last few bits needed. Then it's just a matter of getting it all there and setting up ready for it to open to the public of 6th - 8th June 10am-5pm.

There's also good news on the finding/setting up a studio scenario. A friend has offered me space in her ceramic studio. My Gran saw an advert for a kiln for sale, so I rang the gentleman up and it turns out he is selling the contents of his studio as he is retiring. So fingers crossed its all the right technical requirements for my needs.

Updates...

I've had to postpone launching my online shop due to realising I need to build up a stock first for upcoming events. However I will be launching it in June ready for The Contemporary Craft Festival at Bovey Tracey, Devon.

I have made 6 new cylindrical moulds so I can speed up my making time and I'm not waiting around for moulds to dry.

It's the last 2 weeks (last day 19th April) of Rising Stars 2014 at New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham where they will then be exhibited at Milton Keynes Art Centre opening on 26th April - 31st May.

Online Shop and Upcoming Events

A visitor at Ambiente asked if I had a online shop, which I don't, so it got me thinking. I asked some of my art friends and they said go for it. As I can always try it out for a few months and keep or delete it. So coming soon in mid-March will be an online shop on my website. www.ruthharrisonceramics.co.uk

I am taking part in Rising Stars touring exhibition starting off at New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham. Opens to the public on 8th March - 19th April, then it goes to Milton Keynes Art Centre 26th April - 31st May, finishing up at Smiths Row at Bury St Edmunds 7th June - 12th July.

The Contemporary Craft Festival at Bovey Tracey in Devon is one of the UK's finest craft events in Devon and I have been chosen to have a stand in the One Year On marquee for graduates or people within 1 year of setting up their businesses. 6th - 8th June 2014 click the link for more information http://craftsatboveytracey.co.uk/

The Big Art Show in Shropshire is on the 19th and 20th July and I will be selling my ceramic pieces there. Come and see me if you are in the area. Click the link for more information http://www.thebigartshow.co.uk/

Success at Ambiente

Ambiente 2014 came to an end yesterday. It was very busy on the Sunday and I had quite a lot of interest from different people from different countries. It was very amusing to see the shock on some people's faces when they see the video of myself making a piece and realise each disk is put on one by one.

Next I will be exhibiting at New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham from 8th March. It is part of a touring exhibition running from March to July visiting Milton Keynes and Bury St Edmunds.

Getting Set Up For Ambiente

Setting up ready for the opening of Ambiente tomorrow 7th-11th February 2014 at Messe Frankfurt. Didn't realise how big the building was but with 11 halls it will need to be!

The protective flooring is getting removed tonight but I'll post some pictures during the event. Looking at it now I already know what I'll do differently next time (swap the shelf and images over) I knew how I wanted it in my head (my logo decal on the top left with web address, photos underneath it, on the right the shelf so it is in line with the bottom of the images and the plinths are where I wanted them as I didn't want the taller pieces on the corner through fear that they would get knocked over.)

Arrived in Frankfurt

So myself and my little helper Barbara have arrived in Frankfurt for the 2 weeks. We've already seen some interesting sculptures and other places of interest. Looking forward to some proper exploring! Tomorrow we are going to set up the exhibition stand ready for Ambiente which opens on Friday 7th for 5 days. We drove past it on the way from the airport to the accommodation and it is a very large place. But I am getting very excited and looking forward to meeting new artists, networking, listening to peoples feedback and comments. Lets hope for some orders and lots of interest!

Image Of My Work In A Magazine

I was very surprised to see an image of my work in the January/February 2014 Craft & Design Magazine in the article entitled 'Life After Art School' by Pamela Peter-Agbia page 64-65. Although there is no artist credit with the photo I am still happy to see my work in a published magazine.

I have managed to attach an image using  the internet on my phone.

Ambiente at Frankfurt, Germany

So it's exactly one month until I will be exhibiting my ceramic work at Ambiente in the Talents section. I will also be exhibiting a new collection. Open 7-11th February 9am-6pm Friday-Monday and 9am-5pm on Tuesday. Come see me in Hall 4.0 F82 at Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH. www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

Back Into The Swing Of Things...

I am in the process of making new collections and building up a stock ready for the New Year which is lined up with exhibitions, trade fairs and a few days exploring Germany squeezed in! I have ordered some more porcelain and coloured stain as I am running out of some colours and completely out of porcelain. 

It is 7 weeks until I will be exhibiting at Ambiente, Frankfurt in the Talents section. 7th-11th February at Messe Frankfurt Exhibition Grounds. Starting to get organised (and a little bit stressed) and ordering postcards and I have also made a video of myself making a piece, which I have then edited on the computer to speed it up a lot so instead of taking 90 minutes to watch it now only takes 8 minutes! So visitors can see how I make my work and will hopefully appreciate the time that goes in to each piece; as the disks are cut individually and put on to the cylinder one by one!

http://ambiente.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en/besucher/willkommen.html

Commission Piece

This piece was a commission I received from Plymouth College of Art Summer Show. After 2 failed attempts to make it, the third time was a success. The problem was that the Fuchsia colour was burning out at 1240 and 1220 degrees even though it could go to 1250 degrees. But I like a challenge and after a bit more tinkering I won the battle! It just shows that things can go wrong with firings and you need to be determined to make things work!

'Class of 2013' Exhibition

My work is on display at The National Centre for Craft and Design at Sleaford, Lincolnshire. Myself and seventeen recent graduates of 2013 across the UK will be exhibiting our work of different mediums.

'Class of 2013 is a unique, annual NCCD showcase of the exciting and diverse artwork emerging from our universities showing in our Roof Gallery. Every year our curators tour regional degree shows and the New Designers exhibition in London to source the cream of the crop of graduating talent.
This year, exhibition curators Laura Mabbutt and Naomi Law have searched for "artists with fresh ideas, who have mastered their chosen medium to a high standard whilst creating something unique and inspiring". This year's chosen selection explores the theme of function in objects.'

http://www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk/exhibitions/new%20exhibitions

Open to the public until 19th January 10am - 5pm everyday. The National Centre for Craft and Design, Navigation Wharf, Carre Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England, NG34 7TW

Work On Display...

Here's an image of my ceramic work on display at 'Shapes in Transition' at Sleeping Dogs in Hamburg. Exhibition ends 20th November.

A New Design

I've been a bit quiet lately. Responding to emails, attempting to get back on to the swing of making and most importantly graduating from Plymouth College of Art with a 2:1 Ba (Hons) in Ceramics.

But I have made a piece. Still staying with my style but instead of the same sized disks I've used different sizes to create a curved piece. The disks are attached to a straight cylinder.

Images From Designersblock Edition 16

Here's some images from Designersblock Edition 16 at Southbank Centre Festival Undercroft where I was exhibiting 19th-22nd September.

All Set Up.

Curious People.

Opening Night (above and below)

It was a great atmosphere, with friendly exhibitors and members of the public which made it less stressful as it was my first exhibition after graduating from Plymouth College of Art.

Many people commented on my work and were shocked to learn how each piece is made. Adults and children wanted to touch the pieces, as the concept is running a hand along a fence, but I saw some parents tell their children not to touch.

On Thursday and Friday there were school trips. Most were well behaved but there was the odd group that were misbehaving, thinking it would be a good idea to play-fight in front of my work, swinging their arms and backpacks about, one knocked the trestle leg with his shoe and another picked up a piece and started shaking it. Luckily nothing was broken but I told them to move away.

In the future I would probably have the smaller pieces on a taller table/plinth as people had look down on them and bend their backs.