Having had the privilege of a sneak preview of some of these new designs, I can fully recommend a visit to the exhibition. Mark has had quite a long break from potting, during which he worked as a stonemason restoring ancient buildings. The experience and the break have clearly revitalised him and influenced his approach to texture and colour. His new pots are recognisably a progression from where he left off and the development is very impressive. All his work is now in stoneware and with oxide colours which bring out the fabulous variety of surfaces that he has created.
Since the majority of Mark’s work is for outdoors, the courtyard garden at Tinsmiths is a great place for him to have a show and we are keeping our fingers crossed for fine weather on the opening morning (Saturday 11th September) when Mark will be at Tinsmiths to welcome guests. We are expecting some quite large new items - as well as a collection of wall planters and “table top” sized pots.
In case you were hoping to get a glimpse of the work on-line, I should say that the pots will only appear after the show is open – in this case from 14th September. As they are one-offs it seems only fair to those travelling from a distance to have the full range of pots available to them.
Don’t forget that Herefordshire’s Art Week opens on 11thSeptember too, with over 100 open studios and events happening all over the county. To plan a route look up www.herefordshire.gov.uk/h-art/ or pick up a programme from any Herefordshire Tourist Information Office. A really good time to visit Herefordshire – for the arts and for peace and quiet of the countryside.