by Mary McIntosh
My visit to the Norfolk Contemporary Craft Society summer exhibition at St Margaret’s Gallery in Norwich was to see the work of three Out of the Fold members. Penny Evans is a member of the society and Nicola Whayman was her invited guest to exhibit at this show. Frances Overy was invited by NCCS member Jill Sharpe. The work of all three OOTF artists met the high standard expected and their placement within the gallery space worked well with those around them.
Nicola Whayman works with natural materials to weave 3D structures. Nicola’s stand opposite Marian Eve Williams and her display of eco-printed silk scarves was a happy pairing. Caroline Hyde-Brown’s work, also using natural grasses and plant materials, were framed. This use of natural materials and a muted palette ran through the exhibition with the stonework of Louise Tiplady and woodwork by Jonathan Southwood
Kate Vogler’s beautiful ceramic vases are made from clay but have the look of a soft felted textile, inviting the touch.
Penny Evans felted columns also induce the urge to caress. Their placement underneath a large window and lit from within made them glow. There was a lot of 3D work in the exhibition and imaginative ways of displaying these off to advantage. The show of small ceramic pots by June Gentle were displayed at different heights. The series of ceramic ammonites by Jackie Watson on plinths with additional ferns placed to add meaning. The stunning wood turned and gilded bowls by Dennis Hales were very simply hung against the plain white boards and on a plain white table.
The most colourful exhibit in the show was the work of Frances Overy whose triptych Primary 1, 2, 3 had the advantage of being seen at a distance and then up close as the viewer approached to see the stitched detail. The quilted silk hangings by Jill Sharpe picked up on the colour theme as did some of the lovely woven pieces by June Croll and the blue Raku pottery of June Gentle.
It was great to see textiles displayed alongside other craft disciplines and earn their space as art. It was also extremely useful to see how other groups use the space and resources available at St Margaret’s gallery to help plan our own Out of the Fold exhibition there this autumn.
The Norfolk Contemporary Craft Society summer exhibition runs until Sunday 28th June. Open daily 10am – 4pm. Free entry. St Margaret’s Gallery, St Benedict’s Street, Norwich NR2 4TU www.norfolkcontemporarycraft.co.uk/
Highly recommended.
