Many thanks again to Suzanne and Alan Whitewood for sharing this review of last weekend’s art exhibition at Ventnor Botanic Garden. Ed
On one of the hottest weekends of the year two local artists staged an exhibition entitled Rhythm Form and Fire in the Echium Room at Ventnor Botanic Gardens.
Islanders Andrew Dowden and Paul Critchley worked together to create this new exhibition which had a steady throng of visitors.
Andrew and Paul have known each other for several years and a mutual respect for each other’s work and making methods gave them the idea to hold a joint exhibition.
Movement of the human form
Paul’s colourful glass certainly glistened in the sunshine and his multicoloured pieces added a further interest to the shapes and forms.
His over-riding theme is movement of the human form with some pieces showing swirling skirts and outstretched arms. Elegant movements were captured in glass in all sizes and for those just looking for a smaller gift the cheeky robins and other small animals were just right.
Long held love of art
Artist Paul Critchley’s love of art began in childhood and led him to study Fine Art Sculpture to Masters level in the Midlands.
After a spell teaching in the UK and New Zealand, he transformed some of his figurative sculptures into glass. Paul is constantly exploring ways to work with glass and investigate new forms, and therefore an integral part of his work method includes sketching out ideas and developing them over time.
A love of natural colours
Andrew’s love of natural colours and forms transformed into a variety of shapes and styles are a delight to see. Most of his work is in nature’s earth colours but occasionally a vivid blue is included in his work and this adds an extra dimension. Most of his work is free standing but wall pieces that can be wall mounted are included in his collection.
Ceramic artist Andrew Dowden is mainly self-taught. A carpenter for twenty years, he was inspired to take up ceramics, now an absorbing pastime.
Respect through research
In researching pottery/ceramics he came to respect the work of potters/ceramists, and to appreciate the many processes involved in the rhythm of the making process.
The wheel is often central to Andrew’s work from which many forms develop. He enjoys working with red clay as it has a warmth and glow not readily found in other clay bodies.
Ideas for the distinctive hand-carving and textured surfaces are inspired by the surrounding sea and countryside on the Island””tracks made by man, machine, and by nature, leaving their imprint on the earth.
