PRESS RELEASE for immediate use / 20 May 2015
WAYPOINT
A multi-site exhibition of ceramic vessels by Jack Doherty
with paintings by Neil Pinkett and contemporary jewellery by Guy Royle
5 September – 9 October 2015 
Waypoint | Jack Doherty | St Nicholas Chapel St Ives
The navigational reference ‘Waypoint’ is the title for a multi-site exhibition of soda-fired porcelain vessels by Jack Doherty, which relates to and connects with the unique history of the fishing community.
On show during the St Ives September Festival 2015, the core of the exhibition will be hosted at New Craftsman Gallery, with additional works presented in historic fishermen’s chapels and traditional places of refuge around the town. Venues include St Leonards Chapel, located on the harbour, St Nicholas Chapel on the island and the Fisherman’s Rose Lodge on the wharf.
By placing ceramic forms at specific sites, the exhibition creates thoughtful spaces in which to view these works in the context of place. The aim is to highlight the cultural heritage of the fishing community, connecting audiences with these historic landmarks and narratives of epic voyages, faith, courage and survival. This series of works draws on Doherty’s personal experience and reflects the idea of the harbour not only as a place of shelter and sanctuary but also as a place of fragility, transition and danger.
“I was born into a family of fishermen. As a child the harbour was the most fascinating place in my universe; a space charged with emotional content that shaped my world.” Jack Doherty
The exhibition is curated by Sarah Frangleton and is supported by New Craftsman Gallery, St Ives Town Council, Tony Farrell and the members of the Rose Lodge fishermen’s shelter. A series of talk and events will accompany the Waypoint exhibition.
This show is accompanied by a collection of new paintings by West Cornwall artist Neil Pinkett and new pieces by jewellery designer Guy Royle. Working with a palette knife, Neil Pinkett’s oil on canvas works capture the ever-changing elements, cloud formations and piercing blue skies of this vibrant landscape. St Ives artist Guy Royle’s bold contemporary jewellery is known for its superb quality and distinctive primitive motifs, and is handcrafted in beaten and etched silver and gold and set with semi-precious stones.
Related Talks and Events
Waypoint: An illustrated talk by Jack Doherty
Venue: The Arts Club, West Cotts Quay, St Ives
1pm - Wednesday 16th September
£5.00
Jack Doherty relocated to St Ives in 2008 to take up the role as first Lead Potter and Creative Director at the refurbished Leach Pottery to establish the new production studios. His move to the Cornish harbour town marked a significant point on a journey in his career. Jack will talk about his recent work providing insight and interpretation into his archetypal vessel forms in relation to his childhood experience growing up in a fishing port on the north coast of Ireland.
Waypoint: A guided walk and talk with Jack Doherty
Meeting point: New Craftsman Gallery, Fore Street, St Ives
2.30pm - Thursday 17th September and 2.30pm - Tuesday 22nd September
This is a free event but please book as places are limited | 01736 795652
Meeting at the New Craftsman Gallery Jack Doherty will lead an informal guided walk and talk to the three locations around the town where his work is sited during the Arts festival. This is an opportunity to discuss the relevance and context of the Fisherman’s Chapels and Lodge in relation to his most recent work.
Ceramics - Site and Place: a talk by Sarah Frangleton, Independent Curator
Venue: Porthmeor Studios, Back Street West, St Ives
3.30pm - Wednesday 23rd September
£5.00
Contemporary ceramic artists have challenged the traditional nature of display and context of place beyond the conventional gallery environment. Sarah Frangleton, curator of Waypoint considers the expanded field of site-responsive ceramics.
Pray some fishes and a dry safe bed: a talk by Tony Farrell and Jack Doherty
Venue: The Rose Lodge, The Wharf, St Ives
11am - Thursday 24th September
This is a free event but please book as places are limited | 01736 795652
A traditional meeting place for St Ives fishermen since 1918, the Rose Lodge and Shore Shelter are a living archive of stories. Local historian Tony Farrell will be spinning a yarn with Jack Doherty, talking about the history of the Lodges, the decline of a once vibrant fishing industry and the men who risked their lives at sea.
info@newcraftsmanstives.com / www.newcraftsmanstives.com
300 dpi image links:
Notes to Editors
Jack Doherty
Jack Doherty was born in
County Derry and studied Ceramics at the Ulster College of Art and Design,
Belfast. On graduating he worked at Kilkenny Design Workshops, Ireland before
establishing his studio first in Co Armagh and then in Herefordshire.
Doherty is passionately
involved with ceramics, exhibiting widely in the UK and abroad. His experience
as an internationally renowned maker has led to his involvement in many areas
such as lecturing, writing, curating exhibitions and organising conferences. He
is a council member of the CPA and is currently Chair of the organising
committee of Ceramic Art London. As a former Chair of the Craft Potters Association,
he has been at the forefront of promoting contemporary studio ceramics.
Currently he is guest editor of Ceramic Review magazine.
From 2008 – 2013 Doherty
was Lead Potter and Creative Director at the Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall
where he established the production studio and designed a contemporary range of
soda-fired tableware. He is currently working independently from his studio in
Mousehole, Cornwall
Artists Statement
My work echoes the
universal vessel and the ancient layers of cultural resonance embedded within
archetypal forms. Made from porcelain, the forms are thrown then carved and
shaped reflecting the fluidity of the material and physicality of making. The
elemental colour and surface texture are created by the fusion of fire and soda
in the intense heat of the kiln, leaving behind a subtle palette of smoky grey,
lemon, russet and turquoise. On many levels, the pots I make are figurative
pieces; each has its own unique character, particular emotional range and
response. Portfolio 2015 (Irish Crafts Council)
Fine Art Communications
Mercedes Smith / 07825 270235 / mercedes@fineartcommunications.co.uk
www.fineartcommunications.co.uk
