EROSION: an exhibition of paintings, ceramics and jewellery influenced by the effects of natural processes

Sarah Drew hosted a fantastic exhibition at the gorgeous Tremenheere Gallery during the week 7th -13th December with new work from 4 local artists and makers who are all influenced by the effects of erosion on our natural and human landscape:

Paintings by Karen McEndoo (from Tregony) and Jill Eisele (Penzance)
Ceramics by Paula Downing (Perrananworthal) 
Art jewellery by Sarah Drew (St Austell)
With a theme of earthy tones and weathered textures running through all their work, the exhibition is not only a study of how natural forces such as the wind, rain and tides shape the land and bring about change, but also a metaphor for the erosion of systems and structures within society which are outdated and unsustainable and will also be subject to change.

Although they share a concern for the damage humans are precipitating on the planet, it’s essentially an optimistic hope that nature will be appreciated once more and prevail, through re-wilding and re-planting the land will hopefully heal itself. The question is, will we respond in time to the climate emergency for humans to survive?

They see positivity in the small shoots of hope that are beginning to emerge: the force of normal people working together, helping each other and trying to create a new world order that sits within nature and counteracts the negative effects we’ve had on the world.

Paula Downing

Paula’s work has developed and changed over time but has always been linked to Cornwall’s land, sea, ancient history, geology and mining industry. She normally makes individual pieces which have developed from an idea: each piece is unique and has their own identity. They make a bold statement whether standing alone or in small groups.

Recent works have challenged the idea of balance, pushing the boundaries of slab-built forms to their limits of stability. Forms and surfaces have been simplified and a minimal colour palette preferred in order to emphasise the strength and power of the form.

Her work is a direct, honest and respectful response to the world that remains unchanged by modern humankind.

Sarah Drew

Sarah’s jewellery pieces made from rusty metal found on walks on the disused clay pits round St Austell celebrate the rewilding of her local area: trees, heather and wild shrubs growing with abandon over the old scars left by the mining. She combines the found metal with eco-silver, recycled brass and vessels that hold little plants and flowers so you can wear a representation of the re-wilding process. In this collection she also incorporates boulder opals from Australia as a link to the Cornish miners who left her to search for their fortunes and bluer skies around the globe.

Jill Eisele

There are several threads to Jill’s working practice, which interweave, overlap and cross-reference (practically, and ideologically) providing a strong foundation for landscape-inspired oil paintings. Contrasts of stillness and movement; of scale, colour and texture, are elements that she experiences as she walks, which are replicated in her paintings. Her eye is caught by the stillness of the horizon, or a tree: but everything else is in flux. This is what she seeks to capture on canvas, a dance that is poetic, evocative and mysterious…

Karen McEndoo

Karen McEndoo was born  in Surrey but her early life was spent in Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia) which has had a tremendous influence on her work, inspired particularly by the rich colours, designs, music and memories of the smell of the scorched earth after the first rains.

Her influences also include the works of Sandra Blow, Peter Lanyon, Roger Hilton, Robert Sadler, Nicholas de Stael and Antoni Tapies.

 Karen lives and works on the Roseland Peninsular in Cornwall and in particular has an affection for the far west coast of Cornwall, ' I gain much inspiration from the wild and untamed coastline and the rich history of the mining industry. I also have a particular passion for science and nature, be it deep space or microbiology, this often creeps into my work'.

The exhibition was greeted with such enthusiasm by customers and gallery owners alike: it was really gratifying how many people stopped and said “wow!” as soon as they walked through the door.

We spoke to geologists, environmentalists, ex-miners: it took us in directions we could only have hoped for.The owner of the gallery Neil Armstrong said it was “one of the strongest exhibitions they’d ever had”

As a group we’ll definitely be exhibiting together again., so look out for our next show in summer 2020

​Here's some images of work and the exhibition which you can have a look at and download:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/cpXw8yKfwUiFYasJ8

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/783949138687472/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erosionexhibition/

Please just call me on 07951 960647 or email me at sarah@sarahdrew.com if you’d like to check anything. And here are the separate artist’s websites:

pauladowningceramics.co.uk

sarahdrew.com

jilleisele.com

karenmcendoo.weebly.com

Location: Tremenheere Gallery at Tremenheere Sculpture Park

Nr Gulval, Penzance TR20 8YL