Natural Lines 2023 in the Crypt
12th - 23rd September
Natural Lines is made up of six North Norfolk artists, who are delighted to present an exhibition of ceramics, sculpture, textiles and paintings in the Crypt Gallery, Norwich School from 11 – 20 September 2023.
Showing as Natural Lines since 2019, they are drawn together by a shared connection with the natural environment. The artists bring their working knowledge of materials, unique approaches, finesse and freshness to a coherent and thoughtful exhibition.
Natural Lines artists are excited to have this opportunity to show their work at the Crypt Gallery. The vaulted ceilings and exposed brick floors are an extraordinary backdrop for the exhibition and give the visitor a calm and reflective experience.
The gallery is light and warm yet the artists were inspired by the underground character of its history. They selected a collection of earthier work featuring indigo patterns and paint, cast iron, umber wood stain and smoke fired clay.
Beyond having common inspirations there are degrees of influence between the artists, conscious or sub-conscious traces of each other’s work, which move from textiles to painting, painting to sculpture.
The Artists
Elaine Banham - After art college and university in Canada, Elaine went on to work in the creative industries in London. Currently living and exhibiting in North Norfolk.
Abstract landscape oil paintings show an arrangement of environmental elements, both familiar and mysterious. “I’m interested in expansive scenes – a restless sky set against marsh grasses or the dense dark stillness of a coastal pine forest.”
Recent paintings explore the interplay between constructed shapes but still convey an organic quality.
James Crisp - An artist and guitar-maker, showcases his wall mounted relief carvings in English hardwoods.
“I developed a unique approach to sculptural form, creating processes that are themselves related to the cycles and methods of nature. I use pattern, texture, composition and the inherent beauty of wood to create works that respond strongly to changes of lighting and viewpoint.”
“I see my works as instruments for contemplation, reflections of the physical and mental worlds, windows on the processes of nature.”
Alison Henry - Alison’s sculptural work explores the patterns, rhythms and structures to be found in everyday objects and creatures in the natural world, resulting in organic abstract forms made in clay which are either fired or cast in bronze or other materials.
“I have been deeply concerned for decades about man’s impact on the environment. In my work I try to highlight the incredible diversity of nature manifest in the tiniest and humblest forms found all around us. By narrowing in on the discrete details of each fragment I hope to draw attention in a small way to the awe-inspiring beauty and complexity of our environment which we ruin at our peril.”
Norfolk Makrs - After similar career paths in fashion and interior design, Sarah and Stephen established a small artisan studio in North Norfolk, moving here full time to live and work in an environment they had both come to love.
Using carefully sourced, often reclaimed, textiles Norfolk Makrs designs are crafted for beauty, utility and to be cherished. Their work is inspired by the natural landscape and form, using texture, stitch and subtlety of colour in producing pieces that will reflect the passing of time and have a longevity.
Don Seed - Don produces large format watercolours of shells. Following a degree from UCA, he established freelance design business Seed Art in mid 70’s London, working in advertising and film in different roles – art director, storyboard artist and visualizer. He moved to North Norfolk in 2013.
“A career spent drawing for a living and a rediscovered interest in geology and fossils led to my current work. The shells are magnified to expose the spirals and grooves eroded over time – creating images to contemplate and enjoy.”
Kate Vogler - “Influenced by weathered places, my sculptural vessels try to capture those feelings of being at one with the eroding landscape and its history.
My workshop is in rural Norfolk, where I make pots built from coils of clay. Some have birds carved into the clay, barely noticeable, concealed within the muted colouring; others concentrate on the beauty of cascading trees”
Pots are smoked or pit fired in wood. Sometimes, they are left with only the softness of the burnishing to enhance the form. The bare, unglazed vessels feel somehow ancient and tactile.”
For further information and images, or to arrange interviews:
Elaine Banham | seedart.co.uk, 07792314072
James Crisp | jamescrispsculptor.com, 07599 873199
Alison Henry | alisonhenry.weebly.com, 07541 250862
Norfolk Makrs | norfolkmakrs@gmail.com, 01328 829774
Don Seed | seedart.co.uk, 07792 314072
Kate Vogler | katevogler.co.uk, 01362 683633
For further information about the Crypt Gallery, Norwich School, please contact:
S Grimes, Bookings & Events Officer (Admin Hub) | 01603 728430 | 71a The Close, Norwich NR1 4DD
