Monday, June 14, 2010

Visit to Gallery Oldham 10.6.10

At the Edge
We started our tour with a description by Ann of a mural depicting a sea scape as seen from the top of a cliff. The dramatic depiction of a ship wallowing and about to sink and passengers struggling to be rescued and to one side people lying on a beach in various stages of recovery, surrounded by helpers. The sea is throwing up rough waves and the ship could have foundered on rocks. Ann's vivid description enabled us to visualise the scene in front of us and Jennifer Vickers took us through the differences taking place in the art world. Instead of the traditional art works normally displayed, we were looking at a radical change in the way people were being painted.
We looked at some other paintings, one of which was a household scene in which we could see sewing machines, a prt filled milk bottle, a baby's bottle and dozens more items. If there has been sound with this painting, it could have been called a cacophaney of painting.
Ann described various pots and sculptures to us and we were able to handle some items outside the glass cases.
Jennifer explained that at this period of changes in our conception of art works, these pots were being designed as works of art rather than containers. One of the bowls appeared to be a different shape when viewed from different angles.
Jennifer told us of the different methods used to fire and also to glaze clay and Mary was able to add her export knowledge of what happens during firing to add a glaze with salt.

we adjourned to the education suite and had a great time plaing with a piece of clay, ably directed and assisted byGlenys Walsh. We all managed, maybe by more luck than judgement, to end up with a small pot which, when fully dried out, we could use as perhaps a pencil holder.
During all of this hard work, we were plied with tea and chocolate biscuits to sustain our strength. All of that rolling out and sticking together was darned hard work.
Many thanks to Jennifer for leading us so happily and comfortably through this interesting exhibition. To Glenys for her dash from table to table, to keep us working in the right direction and for organising the workshop and material.
Ann Hornsby's descriptions were as vivid as ever and our thanks to Mary and her volunteers for making our visit possible.
Sincere thanks to everybody concerned.
posted by Elaine