Sat 15th August 2009

Graduate Focus at The Gallery

Our latest exhibition at the gallery opens on Saturday 22nd of August and features the work of three of this summer's graduates from Scotland's Art Schools.

Elaine Scobie

Jewellery

Elaine graduated from the Glasgow School of Art with a BA honours in silversmithing and jewellery.

"My initial idea for the work was carried on from two pieces that I had included in an exhibition that we had at the art school in third year. All the jewellery in this exhibition was designed to relate to the heading Glimpses. The inspiration for these was taken from photograph off-cut strips that I discovered one day whilst developing pictures. I was amazed at the volume of colour ,detail and texture that I found in each strip. Also each strip was personal to the individual whose pictures they came from. This provided an insight into the lives of these people and I thought it seemed appropriate to use this as an idea for the Glimpses project."

Gill Ross

Illustration & Jewellery

Gill graduated from the Jewellery and Metal Design Department of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, Dundee.

"A passion for drawing has given my work a strong illustrative quality. Often I am struck by traditional architecture and how its quirky characteristics vary from place to place. Using photography, drawing and painting, I aim to capture the characteristics of these kooky buildings such as the subtle markings on weathered stones.

Translating these drawings and paintings into jewellery, etching allows for me to draw directly onto the metal and use of enamel gives my work hints of colour, relating these pieces back to my paintings."

Juliet Buchanan-Jardine

Printed Textiles

Juliet graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 2009

"After working at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre in London last summer, I have been inspired by all the high-end companies such as Romo, Cole and Son and Zoffany, by the style and elegance of their prints.

My degree collection is a variety of wallpapers and fabrics aimed at the high end of the interior furnishing market for both city and country homes."

Gillian Rae

Ceramics

Gillian graduated from the Ceramics Department of the Glasgow School of Art.  Sadly this departmet is being closed by GSA Manangement, which will leave Scotland without a dedicated Ceramics degree course.

Her work focuses on multiples using a combination of ceramic techniques.

The show also features work from established makers Helaina Sharpley and Ruth E Jones.

Helaina Sharpley

Wirework

Helaina Sharpley is a designer-maker producing elegant 2D and 3D wire sculptures/illustrations. After graduating from Herefordshire College of Art and Design, with a BA (honours) degree in Design Crafts, in 2006, Helaina returned home and now works from her studio in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

"I have always liked a nice cup of tea! However, it wasn't until I started my degree course, that I realised I had such a passion verging on obsession, for everything tea related. I believe tea is a drink for every occasion, from a homely, comforting cuppa, to a proper English afternoon tea. Therefore every tea set every mug or cup and saucer can tell a different tale. I began looking into the Victorian and Edwardian eras, when tea drinking was a refined and elegant occasion."

Ruth Jones

Ceramics

"I live and work in Dumfries & Galloway, South West Scotland where I produce sculptural and hand-thrown ceramics. I am also a lecturer and community artist.

Hand-thrown Range I also produce and range of historically inspired thrown forms. Hand-thrown on a traditional kick wheel this range reflects my interest in historical ceramics. Decorated with specially prepared brightly coloured earthenware glazes"

Website Link: http://www.westkilbride.org.uk/gallery/index.php?page=products&expo=23

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