Thursday 14th to Tuesday, 19th September 2017

Isle of Wight Ceramic Artist, Andrew Dowden, will be showing a collection of unique and distinctive handmade, hand-carved ceramics and complementary textured wall art at the Quarr Abbey Art Gallery.

Quarr Abbey is sited in tranquil grounds with landscaped gardens, the tea shop and farm shop being particularly popular with visitors. The Gallery holds weekly exhibitions, and is one of the main venues for exhibiting local art on the Island, having built up a regular following since opening in 2011. This is an opportunity to view Andrew Dowden's work and buy directly from the artist. A percentage of all exhibition sales goes to the Abbey.

Ideas and designs for Andrew's ceramic work come from various sources including nature, machinery and engineering, architecture, and archaeology. Andrew was inspired to take up ceramics whilst researching a book on Isle of Wight pottery. 'Pottery has been made on the Island since Neolithic times,' says Andrew. 'Learning about pottery and its history, and actually working through the different stages of each making process, has made me appreciate this ancient art.' Surface texture and form are Andrew's main interest, and textured designs have also been incorporated into his oil-painted wall art. A carpenter for 20 years, Andrew made the teak frames from a 1950s sideboard.

Ceramic tile panels, wall plaques and standing forms such as Tumbling Squares, Standing Stones and Wheel Forms, together with new work, will be on show. 'I primarily make pieces for my own interest and satisfaction,' he says, 'but it pleases me to know that people who buy my work appeciate it too.'

The gallery will be open from 10am-5pm each day. Admission is free.

Additional venue information: Disabled access - Tea shop - Gardens - Farm shop - Visitor centre - Bookshop - Old abbey ruins - Woodland walk - Toilets - Free parking