Biography

INSPIRATION 

Working in porcelain, Ruth Gibson combines a love of photography, printmaking and ceramics, to evoke a sense of place; in particular the Shropshire landscape and the Welsh coast and mountains. Inspired by many walks on the rugged Stiperstones, or the Long Mynd, imagery includes winter trees, textures in nature, birds in flight, the rocks beneath the surface, and the inclusion of sections on map, rooting the work to the place it is inspired by. Ancient standing stones found scattered across the Shropshire and Welsh hills are echoed in the shapes of the ceramic pieces.

Utilising photography and ceramic printing techniques allows for photo realism to be combined with more abstract mark making to build up layers of images. Once screen-printed the clay can be stretched over molds, the print can be distorted, or small sections can be added or removed to create abstract patterns. The work is enhanced by the addition of glazes used in a painterly style. Through this ceramic artwork, I am interested in conveying the peace and contemplative qualities which one can experience when immersed in the natural environment. I seek to enhance the qualities of porcelain and to reflect nature; the whiteness of a perfectly round pebble, the seemingly scratched patterns found in stones and the smoothness of sea-worn shells inform the design and surface quality.

BACKGROUND

I have been self-employed  as an artist for over 30 years. Having run a successful designer/maker hand made gift business for 15 years, I went back to study at the age of 35 and graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Ceramics and Sculpture in 2003. 

I have taught Ceramics at the University of Wolverhampton;  to all levels of students and covering all ceramics techniques (except  throwing) and delivering Professional Practice and Creative Industry modules with final year degree students. I lead workshops in ceramics, ceramics and print, and deliver workshops and talks in schools and colleges to all ages and levels of ability. I welcome new invitations to deliver talks and ceramic demos to groups and colleges.

Over the last 20 years I have been involved in Public Art, Sculpture and Project Management, working with bricks and ceramics, and have been an Arts Council funded artist. I have been involved in a wide variety of projects as joint lead artist and project manager of Benchart, our public art company based in Shrewsbury. 

Ruth Gibson Ceramics exhibits widely throughout galleries in the UK and at National  Ceramic Shows and events such at 'Earth and Fire' and 'Art in Clay', Pot Fest Shows and International Ceramics Biennial at Aberystwyth.

I can deliver bespoke workshops in my own home for up to five people, including a delicious home-cooked lunch. Please get in touch if this is of interest to you or check out my Clay Clubs at Home page. I can also provide 'one to one' or 'two to one' weekend workshops, providing accommodation and meals in our home and studio. Please do get in touch for more details and prices. 

When not working with clay I have many other interests including travelling, cycling, hill-walking, wild-swimming, yoga and  tai chi, singing, dancing and playing guitar. I love being outdoors, immersed in nature, sleeping under the stars, adventuring on my own in my beloved camper van or travelling with lovely friends to wild and wonderful places!