Hagstone

I love the lurid colours in mid century prints and I was delighted to stumble across ceramicist Axel Salto. I adored the maroon with pale blue in one of his printmaking pieces that was turned into a book cover (See image below) The shapes and curves flowed throughout his work, from pots to prints. Loads of ferocious spikey prints of aloe vera-like plants that comfortably contrasted with yellow and purple.

I came across his playful work in the Hepworth gallery yesterday. I find myself drawn to abstract patterns and textiles. I would never have imagined this because when I completed my foundation diploma I hated sewing machines! I struggled with using different materials and surfaces. Now I find that I’ve grown bored with representational art. The abstract allows for playful experimentation and expression without rigidity of proportion and perspective.

When exhibitions show the sketches behind the work, it’s like looking at the engine beneath the car bonnet. To me it’s the most exciting part, the what-ifs, the what-could-have-beens. I love it and had to photograph some of the work (as seen above and below) I loved the bold mark-making within the sketches as it revealed the weight and solidity of the clay that would be within the construction.

I also have a soft spot for anything deer-related because it’s what my daughter’s name means.