We are delighted to announce our next show Materiality.

Lisa-Marie Price
Andrew Rogers
Gemma Smale

Materiality features three artists whose thoughtful work responds to a time of ecological and social uncertainty. This exhibition reflects a commitment to sustainable materials, including a return to traditional skills and authentic mark-making.

Influences on the artists include pre-historic marks, abstraction, Japanese craft, photography, land art, and 20th century American minimalism.

Abstract painter Lisa-Marie Price forages minerals such as sea coal and chalk to make elegant watercolour paintings. Her ethical works on linen are packed with understated detail and show deep appreciation of the natural world. The earthy tones create a gentle environment in which to engage with difficult issues, including climate change. She trained at the University of East London and is based in Old Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

Andrew Rogers makes powerful, delicate paintings on gesso and brass. The physicality of gesture and mark-making captures both an intensity and simplicity, whilst a lack of narrative minimises distraction in favour of meaningful detail. Viewing becomes an exchange, in which works alter as the viewer moves, light playing on their once-pure surfaces. He trained at St. Martin’s School of Art and Winchester School of Art and works in London.

Ceramic artist Gemma Smale embraces the use of hand-sourced local waste materials including iron scraps from blacksmiths, egg-shells, crushed glass and landfill clays that are used to create rich, glazed wheel-thrown vessels. Her works undergo the time-honoured and perilous process of the wood-fired kiln, and if conditions are favourable, emerge unique. She trained at Central St. Martin’s and is based in Harlow, Essex.

Curator Kate Jones said: ‘We’re so grateful for the welcome we’ve had from the Welwyn North community. For our third exhibition Materiality, we’re honoured to present three artists whose work is not only aesthetically beautiful, but the result of careful thought about its contribution.’

The exhibition is accompanied by an essay on the artists’ work by art writer and gallery publicist Annie Friedlein.