Approved: 20.05.2016

Sarah Hitchens

Artist, Maker

Approved: 20.05.2016

I work almost exclusively with a coarse black stoneware clay and porcelain slips. The work is slab-rolled then torn spontaneously into shape. There is a large element of unpredictability in this method but it yields unexpected forms that have a dynamism and fluidity that I find impossible to replicate.

Read more ...

  • Location: Taunton, South West

Artist Statement

I work almost exclusively with a coarse black stoneware clay and porcelain slips. The work is slab-rolled then torn spontaneously into shape. There is a large element of unpredictability in this method but it yields unexpected forms that have a dynamism and fluidity that I find impossible to replicate.

The work is textured, rough-edged, raw and purposely imperfect. Rips and lacerations are actively encouraged and become an essential part of the making process. This has developed into my chosen language.

Whilst surfaces are often matt and unadorned, I sometimes choose to impress natural objects into the clay and brush slip into the indentations or use a bronze Hans Coper manganese glaze to highlight areas and more recently a wonderfully effervescent volcanic glaze.

I’m intrigued by what lies unseen in the chasm between who we present to the world and who we actually are with all our conflicting feelings, beliefs and dreams. The texture and shape of a life lived, reflecting both the physical wear and the inner growth are what interest and inspire me.

 

CV & Education

Ceramic artist based in Somerset, UK

T: 07757 805297
[email protected]
www.sarahhitchens.com

EDUCATION

1986  BA History of Art, Warwick University

EXHIBITIONS:

2018               
Current & Forthcoming Exhibitions
Journeys in Mind, Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool: Jan - Mar
National Centre for Craft & Design, Sleaford: Mar - Apr

2017

Somerset Art Works' Creative Pathways Exhibition, Taunton
Hothouse 2017: Spot the Talent, New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham
Evolver Prize 2017, Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Honiton
Get Fresh at The Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey - Jan - March
The Stour Gallery Winter Exhibition, Shipston on Stour 

2016 
Quartz Festival, Taunton
Trowbridge Christmas Exhibition, Trowbridge
Somerset Open Studios 'Creative Pathways Bursary' at Black Swan Arts, Frome
Society Of Women Artists, The Mall Galleries, London
Evolver Prize 2016 Exhibition, Black Swan Arts, Frome
Thelma Hulbert Open 2016, Honiton
Atkinson Gallery Summer Show, Millfield School
Broadway Arts Festival, Broadway, Worcs
Portmanteau Gallery, Bridport - Solo exhibition 'An Imperfect Beauty'

2015
Wells Art Contemporary Award – Wells, Somerset
Salisbury Ceramics Open, Salisbury
Marshwood Arts Award, Bridport – Winner of Ceramics Award
Brewhouse Art Gallery, Taunton – Somerset Arts Weeks' group exhibition, 

2013      
Somerset Art Weeks Open Studios: Group exhibition with Blackdown Hills Artists & Makers, Cotley Barn, Somerset

Commissions & Awards

2017
Crafts Council's Hothouse programme: Jan - Sept

2016
Creative Pathways Bursary (Arts Council funded)
Broadway Open Arts Competition - 'Highly commended'

2015
Winner of the Marshwood Arts' Ceramic Award, Bridpot

2013
Skills Unearthed Project: commissioned by Blackdown Hills Artists & Makers, Somerset

Publications:

2016                  
Arts Feature in the Marshwood Vale Magazine, May 2016 Issue (See Press page on website)

Website / Listings:

www.sarahhitchens.com
www.craftscouncil.org.uk/directory/maker/sarah-hitchens/
http://www.crafts.org.uk/Makers-Directory/Hitchens,-Sarah.aspx
https://www.artsthread.com/profile/sarahhitchens/