New exhibition at Blackwell

10:39am Saturday 3rd May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

THE inspired setting of Blackwell has united two artists from quite different disciplines together under its magnificent roof.

Kate Schuricht's ceramics and Mizuho Koizumi's contemporary silver are the focus of the Juxtapositions exhibition, running at the Bowness Arts and Crafts house until June 8.

And despite obvious differences in form, there are significant parallels in both of the artists' creations.

For one thing they both draw on Japanese influences - and an appreciation of nature, time and the changing seasons, laced with a sense of tranquility and serenity, are key to both their work.

Mizuho combines man-made materials with plant life, fusing those elements while paying homage to flowers and plants such as the majestic rose, the fiery magnolia, the patriotic thistle and the weeping willow.

Her new work expands on her development of an intricate process of weaving with silver to create sculptural yet functional open-weave basket forms, each incorporating a flower vase.

Her pieces are designed to blend into their domestic setting, being both practical and decorative, and have graced exhibitions both in the UK and abroad.

Mizuho moved to England from Japan 15 years ago.

After completing her degree at London Guildhall University she went on to take an MA in goldsmithing, silversmithing, metalwork and jewellery at the Royal College of Art, graduating in 2001.

She works from a studio at Cockpit Arts, in London, and last year was selected for the Rising Stars exhibition at Goldsmiths' Hall.

Kate, who has also exhibited nationally and internationally, graduated from the University of Brighton in 1996 with a degree in ceramics and visual art, followed by a residential ceramic course in Tokoname, Japan.

Her ceramics are embellished with precious metal leaf, a departure from her usual practice.

At first glance the connections between Kate's impressive raku and stoneware ceramics and Mizuho delicate designs in silver are not obvious.

However, since meeting in 2000, Kate and Mizuho have felt a mutual appreciation for each other's work and the exhibition has provided a platform for them to explore the possibility of collaborative pieces for the first time, in a cross-disciplinary selling exhibition, combining sculptural ceramics with woven silverwork.

Both Mizuho and Kate have made previous visits to Blackwell.

And as a result, the exhibition will include pieces made as a response to its elegant interiors and inspirational setting.

Two artists in creative harmony Blackwell is open daily from 10.30am-5pm.

For further information telephone 015394-46139.