WORK 2

My own work has always been influenced by nature, and in particular the local. rocky landscape to be found in the wilder parts of Yorkshire. The juxtaposition of rocks. and the elements of weight and balance combined with the twining and clinging efforts of the trees to survive in such an exposed landscape as can be found at places like Brimham Rocks has always fascinated and absorbed me. Spirals. channels and circles are also elements which already exist within my own work and I was therefore fascinated to read about the cup and ring marks. channels. and key holes, which had been created by the prehistoric artists both locally and in a wider sense. Whilst I know that it is not possible to understand their original meanings or uses I decided to interpret these elements. and combine them with my own work in such a way as to reflect my own relationship to the earth and nature. I have therefore created three sets of three clay models which explore the following themes:- Secret Meeting Places Ritual Human Forms WORK3 Title: Music Man Material: Glassfibre and Polystyrene Price: £425 From the above models I have selected one image to interpret in plaster at approximately two metres high. .

WORK l.

Title: Disturbing the Souls of the Dear Departed

Media: Glazed ceramic

Size: Within 35cm square.

Price: £450

Statement: I have always found it disquieting when archaeologists and others dig up and investigate any human remains however old, as there has always seemed to me to be a very spiritual and respectful quality to death rituals, in whatever age they have taken place. I was therefore fascinated by the tales of burial rites in the Bronze Age particularly with regards to the use of mortuary houses and the building of earth 'barrows' over the bones of the dead and it affected me deeply when I read about the Tallon Barrow which was excavated in 1897 by a shooting party (digging up barrows was apparently a popular pastime with the Victorians). The destructive nature of this activity was highlighted for me in the writing of Sir Frederick Millbank when he described the finding of a perfect skull. "Birtwhistle, the keeper held it in his hands to show it to me, but while he did so the wind blew upon it and it fell to pieces." The piece of claywork I have created here represents the disturbed, innocent and forgotten spirit of the remains of a child, held delicately but ultimately destructively by the hands of the inquisitive explorer.