In Stockbridge last weekend,
I introduced my small hand held
sculptures, beyond the studio walls,
for the first time.

These are tactile ceramic discs and
I am playing with different textures
and finishes, some rough, some
smooth, and also seeing how they
relate together in groups. I am drawn
to frequently turn and rearrange
them, like playing with pebbles
on a beach.

Hampshire & Berkshire 
Guild of Craftsmen

www.francesmarr.co.uk

This installation was a joy to work on with Carolyn Marr.
We have used locally-found materials - including river grit, peat,
bracken and heather - combined with clay to create a series of
artworks tailor-made for this gem of a gallery
tucked under Tindale Fell, near Hallbankgate.

The gallery is roughly 20 minutes' walk from the
car park and there is disabled access.

Linescapes is continuing at
RSPB Geltsdale's gallery in the North Pennines Cumbria,
until 28th November 2017.

You can find the RSPB blog post about the show here

www.francesmarr.co.uk

Small rock like work made
using crank clay
with oxides and sea glass











Detail from a work using
locally found peat on paper.








Cabinet of Curiosities
A mix of sculptural ceramics and
objects found during a walk on the fell.

I am preparing work for Ground 4, an exhibition at the 

Florence Arts Centre, Egremont, Cumbria. Based in a 

disused mine they produce an iron ore pigment, Egremont, 

which I am using to make a slip. So far I am pleased 

with the results, adding a warmth to the work. 

Ground 4

9th September - 28th October 2017

A few memories of last week taking
a 'hand building and smoke firing'
ceramics course at Sylph Baier's
wonderful Moulin near Bergerac,
South West France.

The local village Restaurant gave
us a break in the heat of the day with
a three course meal on the menu.
Sylph looked after us all well with
copious amounts of cake and
cooling drinks. If you get the
chance, take a look at Sylphs
throwing courses that she runs
at the Moulin.
 

Working outside, with the sound of the trees in
the breeze and the stream in the valley,
made for a relaxing and productive time
without the usual distractions.

www.francesmarr.co.uk

The last chance to visit Coach House Studio
in the New Forest this weekend.

It has been busy for all of the Studios taking
part so far so I hope the weather holds up and
we have lots of visitors.

Above my 'Passing Pluto' pots are
off to a new space and left is 'Nest' with
porcelain eggs by Wendy De Salis

www.francesmarr.co.uk

With an Open Studio event at Coach House Studio in the New Forest
coming up fast - last two weekends in May - it is time to
get making. After that it is off to France for a hand building and
smoke fire course in June Sylph Baier's Moulin.

See more details on the Events page of my website!

  More work on the way for 2017 with several
  diverse, thought provoking projects shaping up.
  I hope it proves an exciting year.

  www.francesmarr.co.uk

I enjoyed making porcelain decorations,
stars and snowflakes, for the festive
season and the 'Mum bowls'
were well used over this Christmas.

Now I am thinking about what 2017 will bring....

www.francesmarr.co.uk