NEWS
Press Release
Su Jameson is crowned as the Surrey Artist of the Year 2017
We are delighted to announce that ceramic artist and sculptor Su
Jameson has been chosen as Surrey Artist of the Year 2017.
Su will receive an award of £1,000, a solo exhibition at the New
Ashgate Gallery and a complementary Winner's Stand at the Surrey
Contemporary Art Fair. She will also be featured at the Surrey Life
magazine.
About the winner:
The Liphook based artist Su Jameson makes one-off hand built
ceramic sculptures that are mostly figurative in form. Each piece comes from personal experience but she tries to explore ideas that are both particular and universal. The work aims to be thought provoking and invite reinterpretation.
The body of work shown for the first time at Surrey Artists' Open Studios was conceived during a period of significant change; young people near and far moving on, preparing for life's instabilities, and searching for their place in the world. Some, with guiding parents loosening ties but remaining that all important constant, while others having to go it alone. However, 'family' can take many forms, thus optimistically, partnerships and groups are prevalent in the work.
Alongside the figurative pieces there are vessels, often made as a form of meditation and designed as aesthetic rather than functional objects. Su says:
My present work is to do with family; the various roles within it, the physical and emotional ties and that tricky tightrope we walk between protection and liberation of ourselves and others.
Quotes: judges and New Ashgate Gallery:Artists' Open Studios is a county-wide membership scheme, offering the public direct access to artists and makers during an annual event in June, as well as offering artists a range of other benefits including specialist training and professional development. The scheme is thriving with over 390 members, 250 of whom participated in Open Studios this year and with about 15,000 visitors during two weeks in June. Our partnership with the New Ashgate Gallery provides a highly valued opportunity for artists to work with a contemporary art and craft gallery to develop their practice and promote their work.
Jane McGibbon, Surrey Artists Open Studios Coordinator, Surrey Arts
As always, the standard is very high. It is always exciting to see the work of new artists, and also to see how those familiar to us are developing their work and exploring new methods and directions. Su's work is intriguing. The more one looks, the more one realises there are many layers to each sculpture. Not so much in the actual application, but in the though process and the emotional relevance of each piece.
Tinx Newton, Art Editor, Surrey Life
The standard of arts in Surrey is exceptional, and we are blessed to be in a county of such wonderfully talented artists and makers. The Surrey Artist of the Year competition is an essential part of New Ashgate Gallery's mission as an educational charity. The New Ashgate Gallery Trust is dedicated to promote the best contemporary art and craft and to provide an unparalleled resource in Farnham, Surrey and beyond. We raise aspirations and inspire excellence. The exhibition enables us to support and promote emerging and established artists and makers. It also coincides with Farnham's Craft Month and we will be offering public workshops and professional practice seminars to artists.
Dr. Outi Remes, Gallery Director, New Ashgate Gallery