Ceramicist Merete Rasmussen moved from Denmark to London in 2005 and has since worked predominantly with free-flowing sculptural forms. A Crafts Council Development Award in 2007 allowed her to set up her current London studio. Her work has been exhibited widely in the UK and internationally.
Merete says of her own work – “I work with abstract sculptural form. I am interested in the idea of one continuous surface, with one connected edge or line running through the whole form. Clear, clean shapes; soft smooth curves in contrast to sharp edges; concave and convex surfaces; the discovery and strength of an inner/negative space – these are all form expressions that appeal to me and results in my continuous exploration and expression in many different variations.”
The lecture will be followed by refreshments and an opportunity for an informal chat with Merete with her work back at the Display Centre from 3.30pm – 4.30pm.
The Bluecoat Display Centre are delighted to have the opportunity to run an artist-in-residence program alongside the eKapa exhibition. Working in partnership with Liverpool Hope University, with which the Centre already has strong ties, the residency will give the jeweller the opportunity to develop their skills in a new environment, with new inspirations. Equipped with their own studio, and access to the knowledge and craftsmanship of Hope’s lecturers and technicians, the aim is that the jeweller will gain further skills and perspectives on their work.
The panel of judges was impressed by the range of work sent in, which showed talent and skill by many jewellers from South Africa. After much deliberation, Frieda Lühl was selected by the panel of judges which included Maureen Bampton, Linda Jeanne Jones, Vicki Smith (David M Robinson Jewellers) and Alan Whittaker (Head of Fine & Applied Art at Hope University). Frieda hopes to work in particular on her etching range, focusing on etching her designs into metal, printing onto paper, and then working the metal plates into jewellery – she will be explaining this process in her talk.
“I hope that the residency would give me some time to fully experiment on one subject / material / technique. I’m very open to what it will be and willing to experiment with something completely new. I often have the feeling that having my own studio on the one side allows you to experiment in different techniques and materials but then again there is the time pressure of having your own business. Since I have never been to a university I only have a vague idea of how things are done. I imagine amazing workshop and class set ups, students with different experience to mine and materials and techniques that I most probably have not worked in yet. I’m hoping that this could be an interesting experience which will help me to approach especially the design side, but maybe also manufacturing in a wider sense.” – Frieda Lühl
The talk will be followed by drinks and nibbles, and a chance to speak to Frieda about her work.
The Bluecoat Display Centre are grateful for the support of David Robinson Jewellers (Fine Jewellery & Watches) and Liverpool Hope University for their support and generosity.
The Slow Food movement is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment. It is about local produced food, rediscovering and sharing food traditions that make up a vital part of our cultural inheritance. This evening will also be about the dishes we serve our food in.
Introduced by Maureen Bampton, Director of the Bluecoat Display Centre, and local potter Simon Shaw, they will acquaint you with the nature of domestic pottery and the array of handmade dishes and bowls you can use.
The evening with then move to Lunya, where Peter Kinsella prides himself on using the best local ingredients available – from asparagus and strawberries from Claremont Farm, to meat from Edge & Sons in New Ferry. Peter and his staff will be serving a great selection of dishes, which include Chorizo in white wine with fennel seed, Mixed Catalan Salad with Bonito tuna, Padstow Calamari (supplied by wards) in Cains Raisin Beer batter and Escalivada (marinated and roasted Mediterranean vegetables).
Further information on the Evening:
6.00pm – Canapes and refreshments at the Bluecoat Display Centre.
Welcome introductions to the evening by Trine Hughes, Slow Food Group and Maureen Bampton, Director of the Bluecoat Display Centre. A talk by Simon Shaw who is a Liverpool based potter on ceramic glazes.
7.30pm – Group cross to neighbouring venue Lunya.
Tapas banquet with Peter Kinsella, giving background on the sourcing of his food. You will be served a selection of food including Kikones, Spanish Cheese Platter, Iberico Meat Platter, Chorizo in white wine with fennel seed, Mixed Catalan Salad, Calamari, Patatas Bravas, Belly pork with membrillo, Padron Peppers.
Lunya also offer a drinks package to go with each course.
‘Pretty Deadly’: An Illustrated Talk
“A defining characteristic of my practice is the conceptual synthesis of contemporary and historical sources. I have persistently worked within contested areas of textile practice, embroidery, pattern, lace and recently floral imagery. ‘Pretty Deadly’ will focus on selected key themes mapping the development of my work, including exhibition, commission and public art projects.” – Michael Brennand-Wood
The talk will be followed by refreshments and an opportunity for an informal chat with Michael with his work back at the Display Centre from 3.30pm – 4.30pm.
About the Artist
Michael Brennand-Wood is a Visual Artist, Curator and Arts Consultant. He occupies a central position in the research, origination and advocacy of Contemporary International Art Textiles. Exhibited in major galleries, world wide, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto and National Gallery of Australia. Recent exhibitions include ‘Pricked-Extreme Embroidery MAD, New York, ‘Vase Attacks’ Velvet da Vinci, San Francisco and ‘Pretty Deadly’ Naughton Gallery, Belfast.
Prizes include The Creative Concept Award in 1987 and The Fine Art Award in 1989 at the International Textile Competition in Kyoto, the first RSA Art for Architecture Award 1990 and Fine Art Award, Phaff 2007.
He has undertaken residencies in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Belgium.
Michael will be exhibiting at the Display Centre in ‘Collected’ from 14 May – 25 June 2011.