Tiny hand cut birds and fragile ceramic fragments meticulously gathered creating ethereal yet substantial compositions.
An exhibition of black, white and grey works by Rachel Shaw Ashton and Lucas Ferreira. Using almost contrasting materials – ceramic and paper - the works reveal opulence yet fragility, permanence yet movement, being ephemeral and substantial at the same time.
Rachel’s figurative pieces with forms soaring, jumping or flying across the surface counterpoint Lucas’s abstract and geometric calculated and solid compositions. The use of black or white signifies a difference, a new perspective with which to view the work. Shadows, rhythms, contrast, control and freedom dialogue.
Rachel Shaw Ashton hand cuts figures and forms from watercolour paper that is spray-painted. White, black or grey on white, each separate piece of meticulously cut paper is grouped together to form a stunning three-dimensional piece. Shadows between and behind each paper form create a dramatic tension. Despite the intensely laborious process of cutting each shape by hand, Rachel’s works have a fluid energy. Some works are calm; others are frenzied as the separate cuttings sweep up into one greater scenario. In some works, Rachel conveys a sense of realisation through the stirring of movement and in others a feeling of things being static and resigned.
“I like to show figures in unusual poses caught in a split second of time. For example bodies flying or jumping representing freedom of spirit, joy or fearlessness and in contrast, I also like static figures that hopefully convey clarity, calmness, a coming to terms – whatever they invoke in the viewer.”
Rachel studied Illustration at Brighton Art School. She spent many years as an illustrator and subsequently concentrated on fine art. She recently had a solo show at The Gallery in Snape Maltings. Rachel has been represented by jaggedart since 2009.
Lucas Ferreira ‘s works are made from small hand crafted fragments of ceramic. Small flat rectangles are joined together to form a circle. Each fragment, the same size and shape, one next to the other, almost sewn together, accumulated to form sequences, rhythms, which are then altered by the inclusion of black pieces.
Repetition, sequence, order and interruption convey the method by which the fragments are meticulously arranged creating geometric and abstract shapes. Some of the works appear at the same time in a series, where the alteration of the black pieces marks different spaces and rhythm in the compositions. The work is subtle, intriguing. Only a closer look will offer the viewer a rendition of what it is about. “My work is inspired by geological formations. I enjoy crafting minimalist textured studies inspired by how rocky surfaces are reshaped over time.”
Lucas studied Film Production in the London College of Communication. He learnt ceramics by assisting his mother, the ceramic artist Valeria Nascimento in her studio. Lucas has shown in galleries in the UK and abroad and recently joined jaggedart.
