We are starting off our summer show with a very special exhibition of ceramics by Cambridge-based artist Helen Martino. Helen has exhibited with Cambridge Contemporary Art ever since it first opened in the 1990s. We feel honoured to have been able to work with her for so many years and see her work evolve. This July, Helen is also having her birthday, which is one of those that needs to be celebrated! To mark the occasion, Helen has created a brand new collection of work for our window display.
The idea for Helen’s new collection sprung from the act of looking back at significant moments of change within her ceramic practice, which now spans 50 years. Over the years, Helen’s making went through several stages of development, as she proceeded from creating functional thrown pots on the wheel to her present hand built ceramic sculptures. Helen began by considering these different stages of her working practice and decided to re-present them by playing with scale, materials and different methods of making.
Thinking - Then
Sometimes I Sit and Think - Now
Helen’s new pieces have also been strongly inspired by the way her ceramics have become objects in galleries and other people’s homes. Placed on windowsills or in glass cabinets, where they can be seen from two or even three sides, she finds that they take on a new identity and autonomy. It is as if they have become still lifes, or pictures in their different settings. Exploring the themes of windows and picture frames, this new collection, aptly titled ‘In the Window’, plays with the idea of how one sees three dimensional pieces – within or without the frame.
Dancing Bottles - Then
Dancing Bottle - Now
Helen has thoroughly enjoyed this chance to look back, review and renew. The result is absolutely not to be missed, so please visit us this month to see Helen’s stunning new pieces! We are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm and Sunday and Bank Holidays from 11am to 5pm. Helen will also be doing a demonstration at cambridge contemporary art on Friday July 14th, 5:30-7pm.
