Rope Store Gallery, Quay Arts. Sat 14 Jan – Sat 3 Mar 2012. Preview: Sat 14 Jan 1.30 - 3pm All Welcome.

Island based artist Babs Gowan exhibits stoneware and porcelain ceramics alongside mixed media paintings in her forthcoming exhibition at Quay Arts’ Rope Store Gallery.

In this recent body of work, Gowan explores themes of landscape, texture and memory. Her experimental, yet contemplative approach to both ceramics and painting are explored through a variety of forms, including bowls, cylinders, cubes and tiles, influenced predominantly by primitive cave and Japanese art, but also the European tradition.

The relationship between ceramics and painting is evident as the ceramic surfaces are scratched and inlaid with metal oxides, and 2D work refers to the rich textures and depth achieved in clay. Gestural broad brush marks coexist with the fine lines, they contain a calligraphic-like quality and reference early writing and drawing.

Babs Gowan: “I love to explore the physical possibilities of the media, echoing geological and natural forces: exposing texture, scarring, holes, folds, protuberances, edges and lines. Clay remembers everything that happens to it. This textural memory fascinates me.”