Alan Foxley
My interest in Ceramics began when I was introduced to clay as an art student. Although I trained as a potter/painter and teacher, the urge to continue working with this fascinating and very versatile material has remained with me. Over the years I have worked in a variety of ways with various clays and have recently returned to hand-building, with the emphasis on a sculptural rather than utilitarian way of working. Ideas are developed from both natural and man-made forms, textures and the effects that the elements and time have upon them. These play a very important role in my work.
The scale varies, but most of it is fairly large and is principally suited to outdoor display relating very much to the space around it, whilst the smaller more intimate pieces need to held in the hand where subtle variations in the surface are read mainly by touch rather than by sight.
After firing much of the work is rubbed down with abrasives to create smooth and polished surfaces which contrast with rough textures already created within the piece. In many instances much of it is reworked with oxides and glazes and if necessary refired numerous times until I am satisfied with the result.
Current work is principally hand-built one-off pieces. Coiling, slabbing and pinching both large and small scale mainly using crank clay with the addition of porcelain, slips, oxides and dry and semi-matt glazes.
CV
Trained at Bath Academy of Art Corsham. Taught Art in schools 1957-1974.
Lecturer in Ceramics Saffron Walden College of Education until closure 1977.
Set up own workshop initially wholesaling work but eventually moved into direct retailing with hand-built and thrown ware. During the early eighties also taught 3D design to Foundation students at St. Albans College of Art.
Since 1998 concentrated on individual sculptural work.
Recent exhibitions
- Anglian Potters - Ely 09
- Outside Art 09, Coventry, Warks.
- Gallery Upstairs 09
- Soc. Des. Crafts, Mall Gallery, London
- Soc. Des. Crafts, Chelsea, London
- CPA at 50, Gallery at Bevere, Worcs.
- Anglia Potters, Cambridge
- Solo exhibition Wimpole Hall, Cambs.
- Berg Apton Sculpture Trail, Norfolk
- Gallery Upstairs, Warwickshire
- Bevere Gallery, Worcs. 08
- Art de Jardin, Rutland 08
- Bespoke Assembly Rooms, Norwich
Work sold mainly through Ceramic shows and July Open Studios.
Contact: Alan Foxley
26 Shepherds Way
Saffron Walden
Essex
CB10 2AH
Telephone: +44 [ 0 ] 1799 522631
E-mail: foxleyalan1@waitrose.com
Always telephone first to make an appointment.