'Organic' by Kathryn Watson and 'In Praise of Shadows' by Fumi

Organic by Kathryn Watson. “It begins with a moment of awe at the structures and patterns of nature. Leaf stems criss crossing on a tarmac path, alliums rising like castle turrets, a fleshy exotic plant that evolves into dancing flowers and an arched branch of rosy red apples. There is no attempt to replicate but more to capture and extract the essence of a structure be it through form, scale, texture ,orientation or repetition.” Kathryn Watson Kathryn creates stoneware clay sculptures often using a natural white, dark brown/black or rich red clay which resembles hardened earth. The sculptures look, and often are, fairly weighty pieces. Her free standing lattice sculptures resemble blocks of stone that have been intricately carved or hewn from the once solid structure. The shape has been formed through the removal of clay rather than by constructing the fronds or tendrils, branches or ledges. Even her tendril forms, stacked high with layers of hollowed or curved forms interlaced with pierced spheres are formidable. Kathryn seems to relate to the strength of nature in her work. The addition of wire detail into a number of her sculptures adds a grace and elegance but doesn’t reduce the feeling of inherent toughness. Many of Kath’s sculptures are designed to be seen in an outdoor setting and so they will have to be tough enough to withstand what nature can and does throw at us in terms of changeable weather. Kath’s pieces are rarely decorated as the form itself is what is most important. From small maquettes around 9cm high through to sculptures stacked on steel rods up to 1.50m tall, the collection is an impressive array of solid, beautiful, organic forms which are timeless, just like nature itself from which her inspiration flows. Work for sale. Prices £30 - £1500 In praise of Shadows by Fumi. Unfeasibly delicate tiny sculptures of insects constructed from hydrangea petals and leaves placed inside constructed habitats featuring both natural materials and man made objects. In praise of shadows is an exquisite and deeply moving exhibition of the fragility and impermanence of beauty and life. Butterflies or imaginary insects constructed from flower petals and leaves stuck with a pin or placed on a raspberry, alighting on a recorder or wandering between dried leaves are just a few of the pieces in the exhibition. With titles like Apothecary’s perception, Raspberry Rhapsody, Pianissimo and world in a bottle, the viewer is encouraged to interpret the imagery and consider the emotive power of such fleeting experiences. “The objects I produce with flowers imply the futility of human activity, and present my acceptance and embrace of natural progression and deterioration in both physical and emotional states.” FUMI “Fumi’s work often draws me back to consider this biblical passage: Luke 12:27-28 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? Fumi draws our attention to the details, to simple beauty, to the passing of time and to change.” Karen Sherwood, Director, Curator and founder.