What's Coming Up

Patricia Volk RWA FRSS

Sculptor

CASTING SHADOWS

Members & Fellows of the Royal Society of Sculptors

ACEARTS, Market Square, Somerton TA11 7NB

2 March – 6 April

Meet the Artist event on Saturday 2 March 11am-1pm

This exhibition celebrates contemporary sculptural practice and its many forms. Sculpture is arguably the most diverse of artistic mediums allowing unrivalled freedom in materials, process, form and scale. Crossing boundaries between architecture, design, manufacturing and craft, sculpture is a constantly evolving art form that pervades our lives like no other.

BEING CONTRARY WITH PATRICIA VOLK

Vespertine Talks : GLOVE FACTORY STUDIOS, Brook Lane, Holt, Wilts BA14 6RL

Thursday 21 March 6 pm

This is a FREE event
Be sure to reserve your seat via Eventbrite

In this illustrated talk, Patricia contrasts her success as a sculptor with growing up in the shadow of dyslexia, and of being called “contrary”. She will describe the ways in which she owns the negative things that held her back. A way of saying “Here I am now (in spite of that)”.

This is a FREE event, but please book to reserve your seat

DREAMING IN FIRE

RWA Royal West of England Academy, Queens Road, Clifton,Bristol BS8 1PX

26 March - 12 May

In this exhibition, curated by Patricia Volk, six artists are given the space to specifically show off the breadth of possibilities offered by this versatile, age-old material. Each of them are drawn to the directness of working with the medium, disposing of the need for an intermediary - whether foundry or fabricator. With clay the artist is literally hands-on. You can move on or start again. Destroy or keep building. It can work with you or against you. Slow you down or put a fire in your belly. And that is enormously refreshing (and risky) for even the most experienced practitioners.

Exhibiting:

Jon Buck RWA FRSS, Dorcas Casey RWA MRSS,

Amanda Chambers RWA FRSA MRSS, Peter Randall-Page RWA FRSS,

Patricia Volk RWA FRSS & Hamish Young RWA MRSS

Also later in the year:

Fresh Air Sculpture 2024

16 June to 7 July 2024

The Old Rectory, Church Road, Quenington, Cirencester GL7 5BN

Where you can see my Sculpture !

Patricia Volk RWA FRSS

Sculptor

© Alexander Caminada  www.caminada.co.uk

SALE

I have selected a few older pieces for a sale, if you are interested email me for a Price List. Please bear in mind that you will have to collect from my workshop as packaging is so difficult.

What’s Coming Up

The Sheridan Russell Gallery will be exhibiting my sculpture at:

Delighted to be included in this exhibition
I hope you can come

In July

VELARDE

An exciting new contemporary art craft gallery and sculpture garden, situated at the heart of Kingsbridge in the beautiful South Hams of Devon.

you can also read about my sculpture in:

CONTEMPORARY BRITISH CERAMICS
by
ASHLEY THORPE

&

HANDBUILT CERAMICS
by
JO TAYLOR

www.patriciavolk.org
.

End of Year Roundup

What a whirlwind year I have had in 2022 - probably the busiest and most productive I have had in my career.
 
'CONSTRUCTIONS'
PANGOLIN LONDON
I was honoured to be chosen to exhibit in this outstanding and prestigious gallery in Kings Cross. What a great way to start the year!
You can still see my Bronze ‘Cog’ (cast by Pangolin Editions) at this location – a piece that was a huge leap forward for me into bronze casting by one of the leading foundries in the country.
 
‘CORNUCOPIA’
Canada Square
This was a very special mid-career solo exhibition for me, showing a range of over 40 pieces of my work at this fantastic Canary Wharf location. I was (and still am) a little overawed at seeing my work so perfectly displayed, and I must give my heartfelt thanks to the exquisite care and support given me by curator
Jacquiline Creswell.
 
‘NO WOMAN IS AN ISLAND’
The Vanner Gallery is a beautiful new gallery in the heart of Salisbury. I’m delighted to have been exhibited there alongside Cath Bloomfield, Phoebe Cummings, Nicky Knowles, Debbie Lee, Rebecca Newnham, Sarah Purvey in an exciting exhibition, again curated by Jacquiline Creswell.

TOGETHER WE RISE 
An exhibition by members of the Royal Society of Sculptors
at
Chichester Cathedral
One of the Highlights of the year for me, this exhibition, also curated by Jacqueline Creswell, Visual Arts Advisor, was inspired by hope, resilience and a firm belief in the positive side of human nature. It also represented a way of communicating what a strong bond of support we sculptors had created amongst ourselves over Zoom during lockdown – and one that I know will continue into the future. 
 
My work was also shown at:
 
Abstrcts Exhibition and Pop up, Cirencester (Oink Gallery)
Kobi & Teal, Frome
Taylor Jones & Son, Deal
Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden
Sculpture in a Walled Garden (Twenty Twenty Gallery)
RWA 169 Annual Open Exhibition
Royal West of England Academy

Let me take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and productive new year. Here’s hoping for a more positive and peaceful 2023.

As ever I am always updating my instagram account with images of work in progress, so do have a look and if you would like to read more about my work and the making, please read :
 
CONTEMPORARY BRITISH CERAMICS
by
ASHLEY THORPE
and
HANDBUILT CERAMICS
by
JO TAYLOR

Together We Rise

SO DELIGHTED TO BE PART OF THIS SUPERB EXHIBITON
opening today

TOGETHER WE RISE

Triumph of 26 Sculptors at Chichester Cathedral

Since July 2020, during Covid lockdown, the Royal Society of Sculptors have held bi-weekly online meetings to support each other, sharing ideas and successes as well as discussing obstacles like self-doubt and anxieties, which naturally occurred during this extremely challenging time. 

These meetings inspired new ways of working together in collaboration during the pandemic.  They helped harness the inner strength necessary to create works of art that reflect this important episode in our history.  The digital zoom connection resulted in real life connectedness.  And became the catalyst for a major exhibition of work by 26 Society sculptors at Chichester Cathedral this summer. 

The Royal Society of Sculptors is based in London, however this group of members is based in South West UK and many of the artists exhibit internationally.

Visual arts advisor Jacquiline Creswell, who has been curating exhibitions at Chichester Cathedral for 6 years and prior to that at Salisbury Cathedral for 12 years, has helped bring this exhibition to the Cathedral. She says,

“Together We Rise is a counterpoint to the challenges of the last two years and an expression of the artists’ perseverance, by coming together through virtual means to overcome isolation, fear and doubt.  The result is a flourishing of creativity, demonstrating the power of shared adversity overcome by shared endeavour. “

The Dean of Chichester, The Very Reverend Stephen Waine, says,

“The pandemic has both made us aware of our vulnerability and illuminated our humanity.  The artworks created for this exhibition are inspired by hope and resilience, qualities that we wish to feed back to those who visit them here. We truly believe that places of worship play an important part in aiding our recovery as we emerge from the pandemic – unifying and healing us. 

The work of these artists encourages us to understand that, out of some of our darkest experiences, we can rise together – as one community.”

TOGETHER WE RISE

27 June – 6 September 2022

Chichester Cathedral, The Royal Chantry, Cathedral Cloisters, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1PX

Monday - Saturday (9.00am - 5.00pm) and Sunday (12.00pm - 2.00pm)

Free

Website: chichestercathedral.org.uk/togetherwerise
Instagram: @togetherwerise2022

Artists 

Tabatha Andrews, Barbara Beyer, Philip Booth, Judy Boyt, Karen Browning, Fiona Campbell, Dallas Collins, Alice Cunningham, Deborah Duffin, Anna Gillespie, Richard Goldsmith, Simon Hitchens, Jane Jobling, William Lasdun, Ian Marlow, Kate McDonnell, Seamus Moran, Rosie Musgrave, Rebecca Newnham, Kate Parsons, Colin Reid, Mark Richards, Roger Stephens, Jo Taylor, Patricia Volk and David Worthington.
 

Chichester Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Diocese of Chichester, which almost exactly covers the counties of East and West Sussex and the City of Brighton and Hove, stretching for nearly a hundred miles along the south coast of England. Services take place daily and all are welcome.

Ancient and modern, this 900 year old Cathedral has architectural and artistic treasures from every century since its foundation, and is especially famous for its modern art. Unique medieval features can be found alongside world famous contemporary paintings, sculpture and glass, by artists such as Graham Sutherland, Marc Chagall, John Piper and Philip Jackson.

www.chichestercathedral.org.uk

WHAT'S COMING UP SOON

PANGOLIN LONDON
Kings Place Facade
90 York Way, N1 9AG
CERAMIC WINDOWS: CURVE AND FORM
30 March - 21 May
Delighted to be included in this lovely location in such great company.

CORNUCOPIA
at 1 Canada Square
London E14 5AB
18 April - 10 June
Private View 21 April (please click).

"Sculptor, ceramicist and painter, Patricia Volk fills the space with carefully placed arrangements of dynamic sculptures which challenge the viewer to find their inner child.  Jeremy Deller says, 'We need to see more playfulness in our cities and public spaces.' However, in reality her work is more complex and on further reflection we see that Patricia’s forms artfully combine strength with fragility and stability with a surprising precariousness. Volk likens this to our own relationships and the complexities and challenges we face in our journey through life."
 
A solo exhibition curated by Jacquiline Creswell showing over 40 pieces in this fantastic venue.

NO WOMAN IS AN ISLAND
at the The Vanner Gallery
45 High Street  Salisbury SP1 2PB
15 April - 30 June 
Private View 14th April (please click)

"The diverse works were selected to explore what it means to be a creative woman in the 21st century with the many challenges and opportunities women face. Their lives are complex and varied, they are forthright and nurturing individuals with strong opinions on social and environmental issues. The artists are hard - working, creative, committed and successful mid-career artists who have experienced the many challenges faced by creative people in today's society. The exhibition sets out to discover their world and life experiences."

The Vanner Gallery is a beautiful new gallery showing Artists: Cath Bloomfield, Phoebe Cummings, Nicky Knowles, Debbie Lee, Rebecca Newnham, Sarah Purvey and myself in this exciting exhibition curated by Jacquiline Creswell.

TOGETHER WE RISE 
Royal Society of Sculptors
at
Chichester Cathedral
27 June – 6 September 
Private View 1 July 

During this challenging period, a group of sculptors, all members of the Royal Society of Sculptors, met online. These Zoom meetings were a great platform for keeping in touch, during 2020-2021 for supporting each other, for sharing ideas as well as an opportunity for discussing obstacles like self-doubt and anxieties through an extremely difficult time.

The resulting work, collected for this unique exhibition, is an expression of these meetings, showing the result of the conquering of demons and obstructions that this sharing enabled. Many participants expressed that although the Covid Pandemic was a challenging time for them, the group supported and helped many to see past these obstacles to create new, inspired works, often working in a new way and in collaborations with other members.

This exhibition, curated by Jacqueline Creswell, Visual Arts Advisor, has been inspired by hope and resilience and a firm belief in the positive side of human nature, making us aware of our vulnerability as well as illuminating our humanity. The various works reflect the way these artists dealt with their journey through a Pandemic, empowering them to harness inner strength and create works of art that reflect this episode in our history.

As ever I am always updating my instagram account with images of work in progress, so do have a look and if you would like to read more about my work and the making, please read :

CONTEMPORARY BRITISH CERAMICS

by

ASHLEY THORPE
&

HANDBUILT CERAMICS
by 
JO TAYLOR

Keep well and safe XX

EXCITING EXHIBITIONS THIS YEAR

Delighted that
PANGOLIN LONDON
have extended 'CONSTRUCTIONS', until the end of February,
if you are around the King's Cross area, please drop in. 

This year is going to be a busy one with some really exciting exhibitons and venues.

CORNUCOPIA
at 1 Canada Square
London E14 5AB
18 April - 10 June
This is a solo exhibition curated by Jacquiline Creswell showing over 40 pieces in this fantastic venue. I will be letting you know further information nearer the time and I hope you will be able to make the Private View on 21 April.

NO WOMAN IS AN ISLAND
at the The Vanner Gallery
45 High Street  Salisbury SP1 2PB
15 April - 30 June 
Private View 14th April
The Vanner Gallery is a beautiful new gallery showing Artists: Cath Bloomfield, Phoebe Cummings, Nicky Knowles, Debbie Lee, Rebecca Newnham, Sarah Purvey and myself in this exciting exhibition curated by Jacquiline Creswell.

TOGETHER WE RISE 
Royal Society of Sculptors
at
Chichester Cathedral
27 June – 6 September 
Private View 1 July 
During this challenging period, a group of sculptors, all members of the Royal Society of Sculptors, met online. These Zoom meetings were a great platform for keeping in touch, during 2020-2021 for supporting each other, for sharing ideas as well as an opportunity for discussing obstacles like self-doubt and anxieties through an extremely difficult time.
The resulting work, collected for this unique exhibition, is an expression of these meetings, showing the result of the conquering of demons and obstructions that this sharing enabled.  Many participants expressed that although the Covid Pandemic was a challenging time for them, the group supported and helped many to see past these obstacles to create new, inspired works, often working in a new way and in collaborations with other members. 
This exhibition, curated by Jacqueline Creswell, Visual Arts Advisor, has been inspired by hope and resilience and a firm belief in the positive side of human nature, making us aware of our vulnerability as well as illuminating our humanity. The various works reflect the way these artists dealt with their journey through a Pandemic, empowering them to harness inner strength and create works of art that reflect this episode in our history.
The work reflects sustainability in the Arts: physically, conceptually, and financially.

It's going to be a busy year, and I will be in touch nearer the dates of these exhibitions and others that will be happening and let you know more details and images.

As ever I am always updating my instagram account with images of work in progress, so do have a look and if you would like to read more about my work and the making, please read :

CONTEMPORARY BRITISH CERAMICS

by ASHLEY THORPE
and
HANDBUILT CERAMICS

by JO TAYLOR

A Good End To The Year

So where can you see my Sculpture?

Delighted that
PANGOLIN LONDON
have extended 'CONSTRUCTIONS', until the end of December and will be interviewing me on 10th December, 5pm to introduce me to their clients and followers on Instagram

If you would like to know more about my work and process please have a look at these newly published books.

Contemporary British Ceramics: Beneath the Surface by Ashley Thorpe (The Crowood Press Ltd)
Ceramics is one of the most vibrant and engaging fields of contemporary British art. This lavishly illustrated book reviews the work of twenty-two artists and celebrates their contribution to its rich landscape. Written from a collector’s point of view, it explores what contemporary ceramic objects can mean, what emotions they evoke and how artists draw upon different facets of the art and crafts worlds in their work. A vital visual and critical resource, Contemporary British Ceramics showcases British ceramics as a compelling interdisciplinary practice, attuned to the contemporary world. Featuring more than 280 images, it encourages readers to look beneath the surface, to discover the vibrant contribution that British ceramics makes to the broad field of contemporary art.

Handbuild Ceramics by Jo Taylor
Handbuilt Ceramics is a practical guide to all aspects of technique, but goes further by exploring the studio practices of ten exciting contemporary makers. Advice is given on how to get started and information on tools and equipment, types of clay and a safe workspace set-up. Handbuilding methods, such as pinching, coiling, slabbing and press moulding, are explained in detail with step-by-step sequences. Techniques for creating surface interest, pre and post firing, are included using coloured slip, glaze or paint. Ideas for combining techniques and ways to experiment are explored and encouraged, as well as tips to avoid common problems and to achieve successful outcomes. With over 350 lavish photos, this book will provide inspiration through a unique understanding of current work. It is written both for the novice and for the experienced maker looking for a new direction.

You can also see my sculpture in :

TAYLOR JONES & SON GALLERY
Deal, Kent

There are lots of exciting things happening next year so watch this space and
as ever I am always updating my instagram account with images of work in progress, so do have a look.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy end to the year!

Exhibition Update

So where can you see my sculpture this year?
PANGOLIN LONDON

Kings Place, 90 York Way, N1 9AG

CRAVING COLOUR
1 September - 16 October 2020

Pangolin London is delighted to open its exciting Autumn Exhibitions' Programme with an bright and uplifting new show ”Craving Colour", much-needed in the current climate. The exhibition will open in the gallery on Wednesday 1 September, and be on until the 16 October.

Colour is a major part of the human experience; a signalling system that evokes an emotional response. From Merete Rasmussen's electric blue abstract ceramic to Jon Buck's brightly painted bronzes, a variety of sculptures and works on paper will be on display. The exhibition will include a wide variety of works by Ralph Brown, Jon Buck, Ann Christopher RA, Steven Gregory, Bryan Kneale RA, Jeff Lowe, David Mach RA, Lynne Maclachlan, Charlotte Mayer, Breon O'Casey, Eilis O'Connell, Merete Rasmussen, Almuth Tebbenhoff, William Tucker RA and Patricia Volk.

In addition, my pieces will be taking over the whole of the Ceramic Windows at Pangolin, at the above address, from 28th September.

My work can also be seen at the following galleries:

TAYLOR JONES & SON GALLERY
Deal, Kent

JASON MICHEAL ART GALLERY
East Sussex Coast (view by appointment)

BEUKENHOF-PHEONIX GALLERIES
Kluisbergen, Belgium

HANNAH PESCHAR SCULPTURE GARDEN
nr. Ockley, Surrey

My work can also be viewed and purchased online at:

view article about me here

Finally, I am delighted to be one of the selected artists featured in the book Contemporary British Ceramics: Beneath the Surface by Ashley Thorpe (The Crowood Press Ltd), due to be published in September. There will be a related exhibition at Eton College, Drawing Schools Gallery, from 11 November - 5 December 2021.

As ever I am always updating my instagram account with images of work in progress, so do have a look.

New Year, New Beginnings

Royal West of England 168 Annual Open Exhibition, installation view, RWA, 2021.
Photo: Alice Hendy Photography
Did you know you can browse and buy all of the art online? View my work by clicking on the image you might see something you like, I’m in very good company.
This is always such an outstanding exhibition, such a shame it’s all in lockdown, a little trip might have cheered us all up.

Last year was a very productive time for me and I thought you might like to see what I was up to, if you have a look on my Instagram account you will see some of the process and in the detailed images, shown in this video you will see exactly what I'm looking at and visually trying to achieve. The excitement of small details. This is a very large piece, very exciting! It was such a joy to make and move forward.

There will be further mailing later in the year to let you know were and when I will be exhibiting, if in the meantime you would like further information on anything, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Keep well and safe.
Patricia XX

Exciting News to end 2020

'50 WOMEN SCULPTORS'
This book is available now

First book to explore the life and work of 50 extraordinary women sculptors from around the world who have broken traditions, pushed boundaries and provided inspiration with their visionary creations.

Publication launch in association with the Royal Society of Sculptors
Webinar: Tuesday 24 November 2020, 6.30-8.00pm
Chaired by artist and academic Dr Joanna Sperryn-Jones, a live talk and discussion sharing experiences and working practices of women artists in sculpture today.
Event includes a film exploring the work of a dozen sculptors as featured in the book, which includes me and I will be present at the event.
Q&A for participants at the end of the session.
Register for this free event: BOOK NOW

THE FLUX REVIEW
Delighted to see my work in the fantastic Flux Review 3rd edition.
Really made my day being included in such a beautiful magazine!

CERAMIC REVIEW
Issue November/December 2020
Inspiration: Sculpture Vultures - Elaine Bolt
Elaine Bolt spoke to five established ceramic sculptors to investigate the lure of sculptural forms and the freedom of expression they feel it provides them. Delighted that she included me.

ROYAL WEST OF ENGLAND OPEN
168 Annual Open Exhibition
Postponed until 5 Dec 2020 – 7 Mar 2021

Bristol's Royal Academy presents it's 168th Annual Open Exhibition, showcasing some of the most exciting artists from across the country and beyond.

HENRY SAYWELL (WORKS OF ART) LTD
291 Lillie Road, London SW6 7LL
Really delighted to see my work in this new venue along with some beautiful company!
For Enquiries or to make an appointment to view work please Tel: 07838156614
email henry@henrysaywell.com

JASON MICHAEL ART GALLERY
An online gallery situated in the village of Fairlight in East Sussex, appointment can be made to view any of the items that are currently on display at www.jasonmichael.art
For enquiries or to make an appointment to view work please Tel: 07990 950775 or email jason@jasonmichael.art

ARUNDEL CONTEMPORARY ART
Arundel, West Sussex.
Have a few of my new pieces.

SHERIDAN RUSSELL GALLERY
With the difficulty of going around the shops this year, have a look at their website and choose a really amazing gift. They will gift wrap it and deliver free of charge within the London area and can also arrange delivery anywhere in this country or abroad.

BLACKWATER GALLERY
Pendeen House, Prospect Place, Cardiff, CF11 0AW
An exciting gallery in Cardiff, who have a small selection of my work, do go and have a look.

After lockdown, and regulations permitting, if you would like to visit my workshop, or have a look at some of the work I have available, please contact me. We can keep social distance, it would be lovely to see you in these difficult times.

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2021: I have some really exciting new things happening in the New Year and can’t wait to see the new bronze I am having cast.

BlackwAter gallerY

Artist in Focus - An interview with Patricia Volk

Evolving through the clay, the sculptural forms of Patricia Volk have captured the imaginations of collectors with each progression. Volk’s innate understanding of her craft shines, allowing a natural collaboration of both artist and medium which in turn results in sculptures that have an incredibly organic quality. Her passion for simplicity in elegance of form, and colour palettes that ignite curiosity in the imagination of the viewer are just some of the elements that make Patricia Volk’s sculptures instantly recognisable.n

This week we catch up with Patricia and talk to her about what she is currently working on, social media, and if lockdown has affected her creative process.

With art an ever present constant as a creator, what are your earliest memories of it in your life?

My earliest memory, at the age of about four, is of visiting the Ulster Museum and seeing a sculpture of a sleeping cherub, and I remember thinking it was beautiful. Also my father used to be a member of Belfast Arts Club and from a very young age, on a Sunday, my mum used to send me off with him to get rid of me. It all went towards making me feel it was a privilege to be around art, and that making art was something to aspire to.

With such a broad and accomplished spectrum of styles in your collection, what is it that inspires you to start the process each time?

I like the problem solving and having something totally in my power to alter and control. Being dyslexic, I have chosen a material I can use with my hands and a vocabulary that is known only to me. Or the material chose me.

Of all of your collectors and clients, who has been most memorable for you?

Lord Carrington. I don’t agree with his politics, but he was a charming man and I had a memorable lunch in which he and his family constantly bickered. But he was a great advocate of sculpture. He owned a beautiful garden and one of my pieces was given pride of place. He loved it.

Do you follow Art Trends? if so, what are you looking at right now?

I cannot be bothered with the idea of ‘Art Trends’. That is for other people to say. I follow my own instinct while being inspired by the artists I admire. At present I am very interested in Chillida, but I really have a lot in common with American sculptors like Ken Price who work in “painted fired clay.”

As an artist who has often expressed their connection to their medium, has lockdown affected your affinity for creating over the last few months?

It affected me in the beginning as I felt morally I did not want to go to the studio. Even though it is a short distance to travel I couldn’t define it as essential travel during a pandemic. More recently I have been going down, but it is pretty stressful, as, even though it is on a farm, you cannot tell who will be ignoring social distancing. So I keep my head down and do my best. It is all any of us can do at the moment. Once I am focused, though, I forget the outside world.

With online platforms becoming an increasingly predominant factor in how we communicate now more than ever. How do you feel the internet and social media has had an impact on the art world while in lockdown?

I think some galleries have been doing a good job promoting their artists. You can see things online, but I personally feel I have to see an artist’s work in reality before I buy it. With extra time on people’s hands, hopefully the art world will open up to more people. Maybe people who have never bought art before, which would be very exciting for the future.

We would love to hear what you are working on currently, can you share anything with us?

I am developing the component pieces, but rather than constructing them after firing, I am constructing them before firing, and experimenting in different forms. I am always trying to move forward in my practice, but sometimes you only see those changes in retrospect. It’s a constant flow of developing new ideas and seeing where they take me, letting my hands lead me.

Want to know more? Read our other articles about artist Patricia Volk here.

 See our selection of work by Patricia Volk in our Artist gallery

Patricia Volk Shop

Some Exciting News & Interview

p a t r i c i a   v o l k 

Opposites H43W60D45cms

 
Well it has been a rather dramatic start to the year,
I don't think any of us will every forget this in the future.

I thought you might like to know a little more about me and how I produced my work, do have a look by clicking below
The artist Patricia Volk interviewed by the Founder of ArtTop10.com Robert Dunt.

Slowly some of the outside galleries I exhibit with are opening in some of the most beautiful parts of the country. They are taking a very responsible attitude to social distancing and ask to you to book in advance. They are really worth a visit!
Please click on HEADINGS for more information
 
HANNAH PESCHAR SCULPTURE GARDEN
 nr. Ockley, Surrey

Is open every weekend through the summer and for now using the booking system, but later hopes to go back to a more normal operation.

Please do not arrive without booking a time slot, as they are carefully managing visitor numbers.

GARDEN GALLERY, Stockbridge, Hampshire
The Garden Gallery will be opening to visitors by arrangement only from the middle of June. The gallery is currently open for business online. The website is being updated with images, details and prices of new work, particularly in the 'Exhibition 2020' gallery, do go and have a look!

CAVALIERO FINN
You can read an interview with me and view some of my pieces on
their website.

BEUKENHOF- PHOENIX GALLERIES
Ronde van Vlaanderenstraat 9 - 11
B-9690 Kluisbergen (Kwaremont)
please contact the gallery for details. This is a beautiful outdoor space with an international collection of sculpture. 

'50 Women Sculptors'
Some very exciting news, I am delighted to be included in '50 Women Sculptors', the first book to give overview of women sculptors. I am in very illustrious company alongside Elizabeth Frink, Rachel Whiteread, Sophie Ryder, Barbara Hepworth, Louise Bourgeois and many more.

'An overview of women making sculpture from the 1880s to today, this book explores the work of 50 extraordinary women artists who have forged a name for themselves in a male arena, as well as breaking rules, pushing boundaries and inspiring us with their visionary creations.'

This book can be ordered now.

More things will be happening soon, but if you would like to visit my workshop, or have a look at some of the work I have available please contact me, we can keep social distance, it would be lovely to hear from you.

Do Keep Safe!

Embracing Colour

We first met recent RWA Academician and long-standing Fellow of the Royal Society of Sculptors, Patricia Volk during Somerset Art Weeks back in 2015 when she showed us images of her work at our exhibition.  Following a swift and successful visit to her studio on the Somerset/Wiltshire borders, we added her work to our portfolio and have been working with her ever since.

At a very simple level, Patricia's playful, brightly coloured sculptures cannot fail to raise your spirits, even on the darkest of days and, when you get to know her, it's clear that on this level the work imbues the very essence of her personality.  For not only is Patricia's work visually and emotionally uplifting, but she is also one of the most supportive artists we know, using social media to offer words of encouragement to literally hundreds of artists as they work, like her, alone in their studios.  And, it has to be said that we've also been on the receiving end of her encouragement, her kind words often arriving at the end of a particularly long art fair when we're fit to drop and in need of emotional sustenance. 

In our second post in our new series of weekly featured artist interviews, we talk to Patricia, looking beyond form and colour alone to try and gain a deeper understanding of this exceptional artist's work.

CF: Patricia, last year you were one of 52 artists commissioned by ITV to take part in the ITV Creates project, tell us more about this initiative?
 
PV: Yes. I was commissioned to create a piece of artwork to be used as the on-screen “ident” of ITV. It was a terrific experience seeing my sculpture filmed by a professional team, and mine appeared on air for a week in January 2019. The brief to artists had been very loose; to interpret the ITV logo in your own unique style. The way I approached it was to deconstruct the logo into its constituent shapes and to build them in 3D.

I also wanted to convey in some way on the exterior what the “inner life” of ITV was – the marks representing all the creativity going on that the whole organization is there for, what goes on under the surface, the buzzing of all the exciting thoughts under the skull. This led me, after the project was over, down the path of exploring similar “knots” of individual ceramic pieces, the amalgamation of which, puzzle-like, would change dramatically as they are viewed through 360 degrees.

CF: It was a great campaign, so, is this where you got the idea for the new work you've been creating over the past 12 months or so, where you've introduced new shapes and intertwining sections?
 
PV: Yes, I had moved into abstract forms for some time, using separate components to construct my pieces. I was making shapes in the laid out clay then figuring out how they came together as interesting clusters or arrangements. I was interested in the randomness of making components and not having any idea how they would go together. It was not only exciting to work that way, it gave me the confidence to know that I didn’t have to have a preconceived idea of a piece when I started it, at all – yet it could still be “me” at the end of the process. 

Cog (Shell), Painted Fired Clay Sculpture,
Height 48cm x Width 42cm x Depth 42cm

PV: As with many of my pieces, for some time now, it is all about human relationships and how we come together. The contradictions, such as strong versus fragile, grounded versus light, peace versus friction. “Embrace” (which could be said to be the embrace between the artist and her material) can be read as either stifling or comforting, love or combat, safety or danger – the red signifying “stop” but also the sign of passion, and the heart.

Embrace (Red), Painted Fired Clay Sculpture,
Height 34cm x Width 60cm x Depth 42cm

PV: With my new work, some people have said that the serrated-edged forms look like the kind of endless stairs in an etching by Escher, or the steps going nowhere in one of Piranesi’s prisons. Not things I was aware of myself.
 
With this series now, I want even stronger differences in the forms to enhance the overall effect. Some are jagged, almost like the teeth of a saw, but also the cogs of a machine where, if it didn’t have teeth, the machine wouldn’t work. So it’s an emblem of support, not antagonism, like politics, in a way. The elements can be seen as helpful in joining us together or a tension pulling is apart or hurting us. It could be seen as wrestling for supremacy, or a loving embrace.
 
One artist recently told me they liked “the combination and contrasting, cradling, seductive and spiky forms” which they said “feels very human” – that’s what it’s all about really, I hope.

Cog (Teal), Painted Fired Clay Sculpture,
Height 40cm Width 50cm Depth 50cm

CF: So, how are they made? Are they hollow?
 
PV: Yes. With these pieces the process of making necessitated me using clay in a different way, using a slab roller and building the construction from simple individual forms. The elements were fired separately, constructed – tried in a succession of different arrangements, photographing them repeatedly as I go along, as I always do, until I reach the arrangement I am happy with – then painted. (As the word  “ceramics” can be disadvantageous in the art world, I prefer the term used by Ken Price and other American sculptors: “painted fired clay”.)

Embrace, Painted Fired Clay Sculpture,
Height 40cm x Width 52cm x Depth 50cm

CF: How do you decide what colour (or colours) each piece should be?

PV: It’s purely instinctive. I line them up and, it may sound daft, but they tell me what they want to be. While I’m working I’m constantly looking at colour combinations all the time, and keeping a record or photographing those that attract me, whether that be in real life on my phone, tear sheets out of a magazine article, or seeing a piece of artwork in a gallery.
 

Sometimes I’ll literally have a pot in my hand, walk along my paints and mix a colour until I find the right colour for that piece.

Embrace (Blue) Painted Fired Clay Sculpture,
Height 41cm x Width 60cm x Depth 41cm

CF: Do you plan the sculptures on paper?

PV: No, though I do sometimes have to do some maths in working out the geometry of a piece, to make sure they interlock when I arrange them. A lot of that is guesswork.

CF: Do you experiment with pattern on the surface?

PV: On the first piece I did after the ITV “ident” I did experiment, but I feel with the later pieces the forms are quite complicated and it is more about the interacting of the shapes, and the marking would be a distraction.

Knot, Painted Fired Clay Sculpture,
Height 43cm x Width 34cm x Depth 34cms (SOLD)

CF How do you think this body of work will evolve Patricia?

PV: Each one I learn from and try to take forward on to the next piece. To the outside it might seem like a regular series that resemble each other quite closely, but to me it’s a progression, a journey of discovery. Just by doing subtle differences, to my eye, changes it completely. It’s probably being obsessed over those small, incremental tweaks that makes us artists. A craving to get it “right” - but of course there is no such thing.

Embrace (Apricot), Painted Fired Clay Sculpture,
Height 38cm x Width 40cm x Depth 32cm

CF: Perhaps to your eye Patricia, but to ours and to those of your collectors, you get it "right" a lot of the time and we look forward to seeing how this work progresses.  Thanks for talking to us Patricia.

See more of Patricia Volk's work on our website

Exhibition update for 2019 (August)

p a t r i c i a v o l k

So where can you see my Sculpture?

please click on HEADINGS for more information
 
BLACKWATER GALLERY

Pendeen House, Prospect Place, Cardiff, CF11 0AW
I have delivered new work to this exciting new gallery in Cardiff, do go and have a look, I'm in great company, in a fabulous location.

HANNAH PESCHAR SCULPTURE GARDEN
nr. Ockley, Surrey
as ever, always worth a visit at this time of year.
 

GARDEN GALLERY 

Stockbridge, Hampshire
 by arrangement  

You will be able to see my new work at
CONTEMPORARY ART ARUNDEL
during the
ARUNDEL ART TRAIL
AUGUST 17 - 26
Arundel, West Sussex.

KOBI & TEAL

57 Catherine Street, Frome, Somerset BA11 1DA
CLAYMAKERS   
Somerset Arts Week   26 August – 6 October

I am delighted that I will be exhibiting with fellow Candidates in the
Academicians' Gallery 
Royal West of England
167 Annual Open Exhibition
26 September - 1 December
this is always a terrific exhibition and well worth the visit.

I do hope you will be able to get along to some of these exhibition, if not I would be delighted to see you at the studio, maybe for a cream tea!

Exhibition update for 2019

p a t r i c i a    v o l k

ADDENDUM
Sorry! In my haste to let you know about the Curator's Salon interview below,
I neglected to say that I am represented by the
Blackwater Gallery
Pendeen House, Prospect Place, Cardiff, CF11 0AW

Delighted to be included in this interview with
Charlie Levine on ITV Creates
do listen.
THE CURATOR'S SALON

by Gita Joshi

So where can you see my Sculpture?

please click on HEADINGS for more information
 
Royal West of England Sculpture Open
until June 2
Queen’s Road,
Clifton Bristol BS8 1PX
Tuesday – Saturday: 10.00am – 5.30pm
Sunday: 11.00am – 5.00pm
Monday Closed

SHERIDAN RUSSELL GALLERY 
in collaboration with 
GALLERY DIFFERENT
14 Percy Street, London W1T 1DR
13-21 May
Private View
Tue 14 May 17.30 - 21.00
Sun 19 May 12.00 - 16.00
& various other shows throughout the year

HANNAH PESCHAR SCULPTURE GARDEN
 nr. Ockley, Surrey
this is now open and a great place to visit.

GARDEN GALLERY 
Stockbridge, Hampshire
Private View Saturday 1 June 11 – 5
Opening Times June 6 to July 6
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 11 – 5
and by arrangement 

you will be able to see my new work at
ARUNDEL CONTEMPORARY ART

Arundel, West Sussex.
during the 
ARUNDEL GALLERY TRAIL
AUGUST 17 - 26

www.patriciavolk.org

Itv ident