Down Hidden Tracks 13th September - 26th September

Hello there!

This blog is devoted to my forthcoming exhibition at Fountains Abbey, which, to my amazement opens two weeks from today. Over a year ago myself and ceramicist Charlotte Morrison decided to contact the National Trust about organising a joint exhibition of our work in the beautiful Fountains Hall, on the grounds of the abbey. As two young artists only a couple of years into our careers, we both felt that a self-organised exhibition which would allow us to show our largest ever collections of work would be an excellent idea, and to use such a well known and much loved venue not only made sense but gave us plenty of inspiration for a theme. Both influenced by the landscape of Yorkshire and the dales, it didn't take us long to come up with ideas for new work. Charlotte has been exploring historical and hidden tracks and trails around the local area, and using classic map design as creative inspiration has made some beautiful new ceramic collections. I used the opportunity as an excuse to develop my work on follies, focusing on the wonderful places I had visited while growing up, like Hackfall and Studley Royal.



The Banqueting House, Studley Royal

A year later and I can't believe it's finally nearly time to install ourselves in the pretty Arkell Room of Fountains Hall. Over the year I have had the pleasure of visiting some lovely places and can't believe how my fascination with follies has grown (and how little I knew about them to begin with). I can't wait to get all the work on the walls, and to meet the (hopefully) many visitors during the two weeks of the exhibition. To try and tempt you along here are a few things you'll get to see there.

Map Cups, Charlotte Morrison

Through the woods to Fisher's Hall

Fountains to Brimham bowls, Charlotte Morrison

The Ionic Temple, Duncombe Park 

For more information on Charlotte Morrison's work visit her website. To see some more of my pictures, and to read more about me and my work, visit my site here.

Hopefully I will see you in September!

Coming up...

Hello

I've had quite a busy few weeks developing my pinned pictures as previewed in the last blog, while preparing for workshops, developing my first installation and planning exhibitions for 2013!

First things first, my pinned pieces are coming along very nicely - I'm really enjoying experimenting with the depths and shadows, the only draw back so far is that they're pretty impossible to store so my living room table is covered! They're also fairly difficult to handle until the pins have been clipped (a slightly unnerving process in itself) but I'm sure once they're in frames they'll look great. The complete collection so far can be viewed on my Facebook page, and you will be able to see them in person in the Treasure exhibition, which opens at Masham Gallery on November the 17th.

The Doric Temple, Duncombe Park, Helmsley

Fishers Hall, Hackfall

The Temple Folly, Wensleydale

In the last blog I mentioned that I'd been invited to create an installation, on display for one day only as part of the Crafted by Hand fair at Masham Town Hall on October 28th. The deadline is fast approaching and things are looking good, although I have hit a few unexpected obstacles along the way. I'm sure when the day comes I'll have everything under control...! In the mean time here's the latest photo evidence.

Last but by any means least, myself and fellow artist Charlotte Morrison have just confirmed the dates and title for our joint exhibition at Fountains Abbey next year. Down Hidden Tracks will be on display in Fountains Hall (pictured below) from the 12th to the 26th of September 2013. The exhibition is inspired by the hidden, secret and unusual aspects of the northern landscape. Charlotte will be producing a new range of contemporary ceramics, exploring maps, trails and pathways, while I will be exploring the easily overlooked but often bizarre and wonderful follies which crop up around the northeast and northwest. More details to follow...

Rosie x