Be Bold. Be Brave. Bloom……
Posted on Mar 31, 2025March has been an extraordinary month, brimming with the vibrant energy of spring and the rewards of being bold, brave and experimental!
Layers of Being, a sculpture that was an emotive response to ideas and experiences approached differently in how she was glazed and fired, using techniques I had never tried or tested before. She was my test piece and I am pleased to say she survived the kiln and with another experimental re-glaze and re-fire, I got the desired results.
I am also delighted that Art Galleries and Art Publications have responded and engaged this favourably and encouragingly.
“Layers of Being” at Coventry Open 2025. Until 8th June
I am honoured “Layers of Being”, has been selected for the prestigious Coventry Open 2025 at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum. Chosen from over 1,000 entries, it stands among approximately 125 works on display until June 2025. It was a pleasure to have my daughter accompany me to the Private View, as she has been a driving force in my recent “emerging” into the Open Exhibition scene and engaging with a broad spectrum of Galleries and fellow artists. Thank you, Millie. This exhibition celebrates the rich diversity of art, and the Young Artists category, whose work was so inclusively curated showed such promise and the next generation of talent in Coventry and the wider West Midlands region.
Featured in Artists Responding To…Contemporary art, culture and activism Issue 13 Magazine
“Layers of Being” is also featured in Issue 13 of Artists Responding To…, a biannual magazine that explores contemporary art, culture, and activism. This esteemed publication has been recognised as Art Platform of the Year for three years.
“Habitat” Exhibition at Cupola Contemporary Art until 19 April
I am delighted to participate in the “Habitat” open exhibition at Cupola Contemporary Art in Sheffield. This exhibition features several of my animal sculptures, including “Primate”, “Bear”, “Sloth”, and “Equine” where I mix colour, texture and form to respond to “Habitat” among such diverse and emotive works. Cupola Contemporary Art is renowned for showcasing diverse and thought-provoking works, making it a privilege to be part of this exhibition.
“Polar Opposites” Recognised by the Association of Animal Artists
Another highlight this month is my sculpture “Polar Opposites” receiving Reserve Best in Show in an International online exhibition hosted by the Association of Animal Artists. This recognition from a community dedicated to excellence in animal art and an opportunity to showcase ceramic sculpture is gratifying.
Artist visit and workshop-Engaging with SEN Students on their African Masks Project
A particularly rewarding experience was conducting an artist-led workshop with local SEN sixth-form students, at Hendsford Valley High School, assisting them with their clay African mask projects and bringing an alternative perspective and approach to the project, and some of my African mask Collections from travels over the years. The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by the students were inspiring, and the engagement and artwork produced in one artist-led session were even more so. I received heartfelt feedback from Mr Dale their 6th Form Co-ordinator, expressing profound gratitude for the transformative experience. We are planning more visits!
Pre-Selection for the Society of Women Artists Open Exhibition
I am thrilled to share that “Layers of Being” has also been pre-selected for the Society of Women Artists Open Exhibition at the prestigious Mall Galleries in London. This opportunity to potentially exhibit alongside esteemed women artists is both exciting and humbling.
Looking Ahead
Next month promises further excitement, including a radio interview in which I will discuss my recent projects and artistic journey. I eagerly anticipate sharing more details with you soon.
As we embrace the season of renewal, I encourage everyone to push their boundaries and bloom………
Note: For more information on the Coventry Open 2025, please visit the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum’s official website.
“Habitat” Exhibition at Cupola Contemporary Art https://www.cupolagallery.com/events/2025/3/14/habitat-mixed-group-show
Gwenda Jones