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A love affair with Ceramics...
16 Feb 2009
After her first visit to Ceramic Art London, Marcia Allen was in no doubt that it would become a calendar fixture for the serious collector and enthusiast. This is her first year actually overseeing the Fair - Own Art explored her passion for the artform and just what makes contemporary ceramics so exciting!
An example of large sculptural ceramics - Manuel Canu, Yellow Vase, courtesy of the artist and Ceramic Art London
Why are contemporary ceramics so desirable to collect?
Because in addition to the balance and harmony of their shape, ceramics derive so much of their beauty from the combined effects of glaze, decoration and texture and therefore greater scope exists for collectors to build up a collection of contemporary ceramics whatever their budget or inclination, with work ranging from small tea bowls to large sculptural ceramic pieces.
Are they perceived as a good investment?
There is a growing realisation among the art buying public that the heirlooms of tomorrow will be the ceramic pieces of today and not the rehashed legacies of yesterday.
Do you think the current climate will affect people’s appetite for collecting the artform?
People will obviously make economies where they can but the purchase of a work of art - be it a painting or a ceramic piece is an act of love as well as a wise investment. People do not relinquish what they love and we need to feed the soul as well as the body.
What is the most exciting piece of work you have personally invested in and why?
The most exciting piece of ceramic work I have invested in was purchased when I was on holiday in the South of France at a ceramic fair held annually in Tourrettes sur Loup, which I happened to catch one year. The range of work on display varied enormously but there was one ceramic artist whose work caught my eye. Unfortunately I didn’t purchase one of her larger pieces (but I really wish I had bought it now – is this a lesson to be learned?) as I was concerned I might run out of money before the holiday ended, so I bought a small hand built pot. I like this piece because it is very abstract in every sense, the shape is not symmetrical and the colour in it is forced into the clay and used as a painter would use colour on a canvas.
It is sitting on my desk where I'm writing this on my laptop and even though it is a small piece it has a strong presence and gives me immense pleasure.
Any other events you can recommend visiting over the coming year?
There is the British Ceramics Biennial, Stoke -on-Trent, 2009 - check out www.britishceramicsbiennial.com
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