LOUD!
‘Loudmouth’ - it’s noisy! Does it make you laugh or grimace? Either is ok as you have reacted……it’s drawn your attention – they remind me of the Muppets………!!? (unintentional – not a fan)Always remember the JOY of working with clay and acknowledge the unashamed irony found/seen in the work.
In any art form my search is for that something that awakens my senses; I’m looking for a generosity of spirit in form, content and expression. At a concert, theatre or exhibition I’m hoping for the unexpected, the fearlessness of the creator, something to make me draw breath in amazement - or laugh out loud.
https://www.tathagallery.com
'Encounter' 19 May - 16 June 2018
Contemporary Ceramics July 2018 - October 2018
Flash! unashamed irony.
It doesn’t do to be predictable so the paintings of Georgio Morandi are equally appealing as that of Kirchner; then there’s Beethoven, Muddy Waters, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Eric Clapton all float my boat and I wish I could sing like Adelle or Aretha Franklin; rock band 4 Non Blondes are great too.
The work of Dutch Architect (Delirious New York) Rem Koolhaas appeals; always extending himself and coming up with the unexpected.
So, no pressure on me as my own claywork develops in the workshop…….this approach to making comes in stark contrast to the current viewpoint for a cooler approach to clay and glaze but it comes from deep inside, a place where humour, heat and heart play a huge part; a place of escape, perhaps, but also a recognition of the JOY and privilege of working with this fascinating medium.
Reacting– responding – keeping us awake, keeping us thinking – all helps to keep us ALIVE! and never complacent.
Its about looking, constantly looking and exploring, always open to fresh experiences and never afraid to keep developing a something that engages and stimulates and challenges all those who see the work - as well as the maker.
Welcome to the site of Philomena Prestsell!
Philomena Pretsell
Short Curriculum Vitae
Teaching 1992 - 2000 Sunderland University; Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art Dundee; Edinburgh College Art
Awards
2008
Scottish Arts Council Award research in New York and Chicago
2003
Scottish Arts Council Award Solo Touring Exhibition
1999
Major Scottish Arts Council award
1990
Post Graduate scholarship Edinburgh College of Art
International
2004
Galerie Albion Putti Groningen Holland
1999
51st International Competition of Ceramic Art Faenza Italy
1997
Time for Tea Brasilia Cultura Inglesia Musea da Republica Rio de Janeiro Brazil
Kutani International Decorative Ceramics Competition Japan
1992
Bienniale Internationale de Ceramique d’Art Vallauris France
Selected UK
2018
July - October Contemporary Ceramics Centre London WC1B 3BF
2017
4 - 30 October - Scottish Arts Club
2017
May - August Tatha Gallery Newport on Tay - Solo ceramic show
2016
Awards - Visual Arts Scotland - Scottish Arts Club Prize
2016
Invited Artist Pittenweem Arts Festival Fife 6 – 14 August
2016
VAS Royal Scottish Academy 29 January – 20 February
2015
Ceramic Art York September
2012
Contemporary Ceramics Centre Great Russell Street London
2011
Unite Collins Gallery Glasgow
2009
Origin Somerset House The Strand London
2008
Ceramic Art London Royal College of Art
2001
Form and Transfer curator Stephen Dixon for Drumcroon Wigan Lancs
1997
Hot off the Press Crafts Council Gallery London
Work in Permanent Collections
- International Museum of Ceramics Faenza Italy
- Ceramic Collection Aberystwyth Arts Centre Aberystwyth
- British Council London
- Aberdeen Art Gallery Schoolhill Aberdeen
- Museum of Ceramics Vallauris France
Professional Membership
- Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop (ESW)
- Crafts Council Photostore Selected Makers
- Craft Potters Association of Great Britain
- Visual Arts Scotland
- Scottish Society of Artists
Publications
2016
Subversive Ceramics by Claudia Clare Bloomsbury Academic
2011
21st Century Ceramics Lark Books
2009
Ceramics and Print Paul Scott A&C Black
2008
500 Plates and Chargers Lark Books
2007
The Potters Bible Marilyn Scott A&C Black
2002
The Potters Guide to Ceramic Surfaces by Jo Connell Quarto
The Potter’s Question and Answer Book by Gill Bliss A&C Black
The Art of Hand-Built Ceramics by Susan Bruce Quarto
1999
Slipware by Michael and Victoria Eden A&C Black
Buyer’s Guide to Contemporary British Studio Ceramics Crafts Council
1998
The Potter’s Directory of Shape and Form by Neal French Quarto
Tel 0131 440 0751 cell 07787721423