Ray Church
Historically Greek ceramics displayed social narratives relevant to the times. My artistic approach is a direct response to the formula used in ancient Greek pottery both formally and figuratively. Although it is not my intention to exactly replicate these objects of the past, but rather to adopt a similar style in terms of structure, surface pattern and imagery, and narrative. These aesthetic qualities are in turn combined with contemporary narratives highly charged with satirical humour and subversive undertones.
I am continuously fascinated how the art from the past continues to inspire artists now, and with this in mind my ideas are allowed to develop through use of a playful dialog between the contemporary and the classical. In many of my compositions I retain specific symbolic elements of Greek history and mythology, whilst ironically juxtaposing them with references from within our contemporary arena.
I like the notion of drawing parallels between historical narratives and 21st century socio-political situations, and the amusing imagery conceived from this collaboration of the times.
Raymond Church CV
Email: mail@rfchurchceramics.com
Website: www.rfchurchceramics.com
Solo Exhibitions
2014 - Zetter Hotel, Artists Atrium, London
Group exhibitions
2019 - Korean International Ceramic Biennale - Awarded Honorary Mention
2019 - MONUMENTALITY / FRAGILITY, The National Design & Craft Gallery, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland
2018 - Maker in Focus, Mission Gallery, Swansea
2018 - European Prize for Applied Art, Mons, Belgium
2018 - Y Lle Celf, National Eisteddfod Wales, Cardiff
2018 - IV. International Ceramics Triennial., National Museum of Slovenia,. Slovenia
2017 - Cluj ceramics biennale 2017, Cluj Napoca Romania
2017 - Y Lle Celf, National Eisteddfod, Anglesea
2017 - Summer show: myths and legends, Craft in the Bay, Cardiff
2017 - Pay and Display prize exhibition, Centrespace Gallery, Bristol
2017 - Modern Artists Gallery, Whitchurch on Thames
2016 - Crafted, Kirkby Gallery
2016 - Ceramic Art London, Central St Martins, London
2015 - Erwood Station, Builth Wells
2015 - Lion Street Gallery, Hay-on-Wye
2015 - International Ceramics Festival, Aberystwyth
2015 - Bienale de la Ceramique, Exhibition of Contemporary ceramics, Andenne Belgium
2014 - Art in Clay, Farnham
2014 - National Eisteddfod special exhibition ‘Dan y Wyneb’ in collaboration with Peter Bodenham
2014 - Bevere Gallery, Worcester
2014 - MAKERS of GB, Manchester Art Gallery (shop)
2013 - Social Deformity, View art Gallery, Bristol
2013 - New Designers 2013, Business Design Centre, London
2013 - Up and Comer group show, Fountain Fine Art, Llandeilo
2012 - New Gallery grand opening, King Street Gallery, Carmarthen
Publications
2016 - New Ceramics Issue 4/16
2015 - De Kliene k issue 5