Nigel Eveleigh and Jennifer Hughes
Ceramics and mixed media
Maker Showcase, 8 May - 26 June
This joint maker exhibition of work, produced by father and daughter, is an insight into their concepts and the collaboration of their inspirations. They found this fantastic opportunity has enabled them to work closely together to produce a body of work that interconnects their individual visions. They have thoroughly enjoyed working together in the same studio, from bouncing ideas off each other to creating finished pieces. It has been a rewarding experience and they will continue to work in this manner.
The theme for the exhibition is based on the many layers that make up and include the final surface of the natural world.
Jennifer has been focusing her attention on looking even closer at the detail in nature. She has been inspired by looking through microscopes and magnifying glasses, seeing the diverse patterns, texture and colour in animals, plants, skin, lichen, rocks, trees etc., as well as observing landscapes in design and formation.
Jennifer’s interpretation of these surfaces is reflected in her work, showing how her adaptations of these studies portray those “close ups” and incorporate specific materials that give her work texture and shape in a two-dimensional form. Her approach to pattern making is mesmerising, drawing you in to her world of abstraction.
Nigel uses a similar approach to Jennifer, concentrating primarily on form, texture and colour with his ceramics. He is inspired by the intricacy of nature and time worn found objects of interest that he occasionally uses in his work. Nigel works intuitively, which like nature changes over time. This exhibition reflects the diverse connection of his work that gives him the freedom to be creative without being repetitive. His work is all hand built and unique. Each piece is sawdust fired to fuse and capture his raw technique that is easily recognisable.
Exhibition Tour
Learn more from the makers about their creative journeys and inspirations…
Interview with Nigel Eveleigh
Nigel Eveleigh, ceramics on wood
What were you doing before you became a ceramicist?
I was a stained glass artist before I worked as a ceramicist. I made stained glass windows, Tiffany style lamps and window hangers.
When did you become a ceramicist and what inspired you to start?
I started working as a ceramicist about 25 years ago preferring to work in three dimension.
Are you self-taught or did you train in this craft? Where did you train?
I studied at Southport College of Art in ceramics and glass.
Where do you create your work? What is the space like?
My studios are based at home in an old dairy and stables.
What types of ceramics and processes do you normally use?
I produce work that are one off pieces from small to large pots and sculptures. The work is fired in a sawdust kiln which gives me that exciting unique finish.
There is a subtle rawness to your pieces. How do you create these effects?
I work intuitively allowing the work to change during the process, the rawness comes from not overworking the clay and the way they are fired. They are all hand built.
Are there any tools you use that you couldn’t live without?
All my tools are important to me although I would miss my small sculpting wooden tools.
What inspires your work?
My inspiration is led by anything I see that sparks off my imagination, from natural surfaces and sculptural form to aged found items of interest.
Why are these themes so important to you?
Because I work spontaneously in a diverse manner my work can be classed as varied and individual.
What do you hope your ceramics achieve?
I hope my ceramics are recognised by their form and uniqueness.
How do you take your work from initial idea to final piece?
The initial idea can change during the making.
What do you enjoy most about your craft?
I enjoy the whole process of the making and the thought process of how to achieve the final vision.
What is your most memorable piece or experience as a maker?
I like to look back on work that I have made in the past that I would still be happy with now.
When did you become a Member of the Devon Guild, and what do you value most about being a part of it?
I have been a member of the Guild for a number of years and value the enthusiasm and the helpful positive attitude of the staff.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to start making ceramics?
My advice to a beginner to ceramics would be to find their own way of working, don’t get upset when it goes wrong and experiment continually.
What have you taken away from the challenges of the past year?
I have remained focused during the challenges of the last year, adding and experimenting with new ideas to my techniques.
Is there anything in particular you’d like to do, make or achieve in the future as a maker?
I will continue to look for different ways to improve my work making sure I will not become repetitive and stayed in my work.
Interview with Jennifer Hughes
Jenny Hughes, mixed media
What were you doing before you became a maker?
I have always been a maker, since leaving school I continued to pursue my dream as an artist.
When did you become a maker and what inspired you to start?
I have always had that artistic nature in me. It has been an inspiration to have parents who are artistic themselves and I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to live somewhere so beautiful.
Are you self-taught or did you train in this craft? Where did you train?
I have a Fine Art foundation degree which I studied at Petroc.
Where do you create your work? What is the space like?
My work is created at home in the studio, an old dairy which I currently share with my dad. I also create most of my work outside when possible! I much prefer working outside in the sunshine.
Can you describe your making process and the materials and processes you use?
I build my work up with layers, using pigments, paints, lime, sand and ash etc., rubbing back to expose different layers creating different textures. Making patterns and forming the multi-layered surfaces. I work into the detail by adding and taking away.
Are there any tools you use that you couldn’t live without?
There are many tools that I could not live without. Two in particular would be a float and a scraper.
What inspires your work and where do you think these interests have come from?
I've always been interested in looking closely at the detail of my surroundings which is commonly overlooked. I find this fascinating and the surfaces and textures play an important role in my work. Being so fortunate to live here on the coast of North Devon I am spoilt for continuous inspiration.
How do you take your work from initial ideas to final pieces?
Studying my findings, I recreate my vision interpreting it in an abstracted form, capturing the moment and my feelings at that given time when I am working.
What do you enjoy most about your craft?
I enjoy each stage of my work, but particularly seeing the results after each layer is applied until the final marks have been made.
What is your most memorable piece or experience as a maker?
My most memorable piece was a very large one that was about 6ft 6 by 3ft. I really enjoyed working on such a large scale.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to start expressing their interests through craft?
I would tell anyone to go for it! It's a great way to express your inner self and there is something so therapeutic to it all.
What have you taken away from the challenges of the past year?
This past year has enabled me to have extra time to focus on my work. I have expanded upon my techniques and subject matter.
Is there anything in particular you’d like to do, make or achieve in the future as a maker?
I would particularly like to work on a very large scale and exhibit in more galleries.