Keith Varney Ceramics: Out of Bath

OUT OF BATH

Ceramics by alumni from Bath Academy of Art and Bath School of Art & Design

This exhibition showcases the work of a diverse group of makers from Bath Spa University, BA (Hons) Three Dimensional Design: Ceramics course. I have selected 11 graduates who produce innovative and high quality works that significantly add to the diversity of ceramics in this country. They share a deep appreciation of the material, process and context, creating works that challenge and extend our understanding of the possibilities of the discipline. Many of the makers are represented in prestigious national and international public galleries and private collections; all are currently practising and exhibit widely within this country.

The exhibition includes a small selection of work from each ceramist, covering a broad range of practices, concerns and concepts. The potential of clay – an extraordinarily adaptable medium – is only limited by our creative abilities and imagination. The new works, some of which have been made especially for the show, range from functional to sculptural, figurative to decorative and installation to conceptual. Through the reinterpretation of traditional methods and processes – throwing, handbuilding, slip-casting, and a variety of decorating and glazing methods – the makers featured bring an exciting, fresh and contemporary approach to Ceramics practice.

It came as a shock to both staff and students when it was announced in 2009 that this long running specialist Ceramics degree would close. As one of the last students on the course I felt compelled to draw attention to this sad loss and to celebrate the achievements of the department, so when the opportunity arose to curate this exhibition I was keen to take it. I would also like to draw attention to the continuing loss of ceramics as a single discipline subject at higher education level throughout the country and the impact that it will inevitably have on ceramics in the future.

Out of Bath includes work by Felicity Aylieff, Matt Chambers, Jo Davies, Hannah Dipper, Aimee Lax, Chun Liao, Babette Martini, Heidi Parsons, Louisa Taylor, Jonathan Wade, Sasha Wardell.