Philomena Pretsell
- Work
- Biography
Smile more – a pot that raises a smile sparks a reaction, whether from the complete ridiculous audacity of it or the narrative it inspires.
In any art form my search is for that something that awakens my senses; I’m looking for a generosity of spirit in form, content and expression; that kind of approach to work inspires me in my own practice. At a film, concert, theatre or exhibition I’m hoping for the unexpected, the fearlessness of the creator, something to make me draw breath in amazement - or laugh out loud!
So, no pressure on me as my own claywork develops in the workshop…….the pots are HOT! WARM and often LOUD but never cool and colour is part of the celebration, there’s no restriction of palette; this comes from deep inside, it’s instinctive - a place where humour, heat and heart play a huge part; a place of escape, perhaps, but also a recognition of the JOY and privilege of working with this demanding medium.
In any art form my search is for that something that awakens my senses; I’m looking for a generosity of spirit in form, content and expression; that kind of approach to work inspires me in my own practice. At a film, concert, theatre or exhibition I’m hoping for the unexpected, the fearlessness of the creator, something to make me draw breath in amazement - or laugh out loud!
So, no pressure on me as my own claywork develops in the workshop…….the pots are HOT! WARM and often LOUD but never cool and colour is part of the celebration, there’s no restriction of palette; this comes from deep inside, it’s instinctive - a place where humour, heat and heart play a huge part; a place of escape, perhaps, but also a recognition of the JOY and privilege of working with this demanding medium.
1986-1990 Edinburgh College of Art Honours Degree and Post Graduate Scholarship. From 1988 the work has been exhibited widely in the Netherlands, Brazil, Japan, Italy, Belgium, the Middle East, Barcelona and Vallauris.
I have shown in London, Oxford, York, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Glasgow, Newcastle, Aberdeen, Norwich, St.Andrews, Aberystwyth etc. both in solo and group shows.
Awards and residencies have included Edinburgh College of Art, Scottish Arts Council, CPA London, British Council and Norwich Castle Museum and work is in many permanent and private collections at home and abroad.
Publications have included
2016 Subversive Ceramics Claudia Clare Bloomsbury Academic
2012 The Ceramics Book
2011 21st Century Ceramics Lark Books
2009 Ceramics and Print Paul Scott A&C Black
2008 500 Plates and Chargers Lark Books
2007 The Potters Bible Marilyn Scott A&C Black
2002 The Potters Guide to Ceramic Surfaces by Jo Connell Quarto
The Potter’s Question and Answer Book by Gill Bliss A&C Black
The Art of Hand-Built Ceramics by Susan Bruce Quarto
1999 Slipware by Michael and Victoria Eden A&C Black
Buyer’s Guide to Contemporary British Studio Ceramics Crafts Council
1998 The Potter’s Directory of Shape and Form by Neal French Quarto
I have shown in London, Oxford, York, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Glasgow, Newcastle, Aberdeen, Norwich, St.Andrews, Aberystwyth etc. both in solo and group shows.
Awards and residencies have included Edinburgh College of Art, Scottish Arts Council, CPA London, British Council and Norwich Castle Museum and work is in many permanent and private collections at home and abroad.
Publications have included
2016 Subversive Ceramics Claudia Clare Bloomsbury Academic
2012 The Ceramics Book
2011 21st Century Ceramics Lark Books
2009 Ceramics and Print Paul Scott A&C Black
2008 500 Plates and Chargers Lark Books
2007 The Potters Bible Marilyn Scott A&C Black
2002 The Potters Guide to Ceramic Surfaces by Jo Connell Quarto
The Potter’s Question and Answer Book by Gill Bliss A&C Black
The Art of Hand-Built Ceramics by Susan Bruce Quarto
1999 Slipware by Michael and Victoria Eden A&C Black
Buyer’s Guide to Contemporary British Studio Ceramics Crafts Council
1998 The Potter’s Directory of Shape and Form by Neal French Quarto
Collections
- 2016
- Philomena Pretsell
- Collage
- 2017
- Philomena Pretsell
- Untitled
- 2017
- Philomena Pretsell
- 2017 Collection
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