May News: Clay, Colour, Charcoal & Conversations
Posted on May 31, 2025May has flown by in a blur of clay, creativity, and connection. I’ve been immersed in studio space, sculpting new pieces and exploring fresh ideas, fuelled by the honest and thoughtful feedback from fellow artists and sculptors whose perspectives challenge and inspire me to push my work further. New Equine work includes Poised, forward, along with Legacy of the War Horse, which I am delighted to have exhibited at The Sculpture Lounge Summer Exhibition in June and July.
New Work Sculpture Lounge Summer Exhibition
Exhibiting at RBSA Drawing Prize.
Being surrounded by so much inspiring work has nudged me back to drawing more, reconnecting with the freedom of messy, emotive charcoal, pastel and fluid, water-based colour on ceramics as well as paper. I’m also thrilled to be exhibiting my primate drawings in the RBSA Drawing Prize exhibition in June. These sketches were preliminary ideas for my primate sculptures and reinforce the immediate power of drawing for realising creative ideas. The Private view on Thursday was so busy, buzzing and great conversations with colleagues, old acquaintances and new connections with artists young and old. Its always a pleasure seeing young talent evolve and grow and to be exhibiting once again alongside the hugely talented and thoroughly nice chap Ispahani Mukah @ispah_art and new vibrant artists Michael Sheppard @mjthearttraveller and Yasmin Chowdrey @yarnaj_ourn -I’m feeling old!!
Such a strong show, but standout works for me Manny Woodard’s highly commended emotive charcoal drawings and Judging panellist Alison Lambert layered charcoals, reconnecting with the freedom of messy, emotive charcoal, and Ilona Skladadzein mixed media winning work.
Do go and take a look at this wonderful exhibition, where drawing is celebrated in many forms of media and dimensions.
There’s been a fair bit of travelling too, delivering work to several galleries where I’m currently exhibiting. These visits have been more than just drop-offs: they’ve sparked some brilliant conversations with gallery teams, curators, visitors, and other artists. Being surrounded by so much inspiring work has nudged me back to drawing more.
Demonstrating Association of Animal Artists Summer Exhibition
My Sculpture demonstrations this month have been especially rewarding. It’s been great to see people genuinely drawn in, asking questions, trying things out, and sharing their own stories and creativity. The love for clay seems to be spreading!
Looking ahead
June promises more travel, private views, gallery sculpture deliveries, and a few long-overdue art chats. I’m especially excited about an intensive few days of professional development and figurative sculpting with a life model, which always brings a renewed sense of energy and challenge. I love drawing and sculpting from life.
Feeling grateful and very ready for the plunge into a busy summer!
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions:
- Coventry Open – Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry. Final week- until Sunday 8th June
- Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) Drawing Prize – Birmingham Untill Saturday 28th June.
- The Society of Woman Artist (SWA) 164th Annual Exhibition – Mall Galleries, London. 24th to 28th June .Open to the public Tuesday 24th June and Wednesday 25th June 3-5pm Then 10-5 daily
- https://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/exhibitions-events/society-women-artists-164th-annual-open-exhibition
- Sculpture Lounge Summer Exhibition – Holmfirth, Yorkshire.
Every Saturday & Sunday from 7th June – 13th July
Open all week alongside Open Studios, July 7th – 12th
https://sculpturelounge.com/gallery/ - Cupola Contemporary Art – Inside/Outside – Sheffield
Friday June 6th 7.30 PREVIEW until Saturday 12th July
https://www.cupolagallery.com/events/2024/12/18/inside-outside-mixed-group-show
Thanks for following along, and as always, I love hearing your thoughts, especially if you’ve visited any of the exhibitions or demonstrations and seen my work in person!