The Strathearn Gallery in Crieff

Artists A-Z

Please click on the Artist's names below to see examples of their work. Some of which are available in our current and previous exhibitions. Contact the gallery to check availability.


List of Artists

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karen james

Karen studied at Cardonald College, Glasgow from 1994-87 gaining a NC and HND in Pottery & Ceramics - including photography. Previously she studied art for 2 years at the University of South Florida, Tampa. Her work has been shown in many exhibitions throughout Scotland. Her work to date is primarily figurative. The quality of their flesh comes from paperclay, a mixture of red clay, crank clay and paper pulp. Karen likes to think that they ‘start with a heart’, working in a series of three and striving for quality and individuality. Smaller pieces start as enclosed pinch pots which are paddled into the shape of an upside down heart then appendages are added. Her larger pieces are usually coiled. Once the piece is built and refined, oxides are used for enhancing the folds and recesses. Coloured slips are applied to pieces which have been chosen for coloured wax treatment. These pieces are low-fired to about 1040 degrees centigrade and they are removed from the kiln when warm for colouring with wax and oil pastels. The warm, porous surface soaks up the colours and ‘holds’ them when cooled. The more natural surfaced pieces are fired to 1120 degrees centigrade and a neutral wax is applied to seal the finish. All pieces are finally ‘buffed up affectionately’ with a soft hair brush to give them their soft sheen.

‘My interest in the outdoors, keeping active and good food contradicts itself due to the climate in which we live, both in the weather and lifestyle. On a cold, wet, windy day, sometimes there’s nothing better than to sit with something wickedly delicious to accompany a cup of tea, and have a lazy read or watch a film on telly. It is heaven on earth to just let go once in awhile. My ladies represent that abandon, the uninhibited comfort they feel in themselves, the indulgence of oneself without guilt. ‘Fleshpots’ began as a college brief and turned into a vehicle for the exploration of colour and materials. Through my consideration of movement and form, I hope my ladies convey the uninhibited comfort one should feel in one’s own skin, the acceptance of one’s own self and, ultimately…sheer indulgence!’

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