Frances Mace is a master of shape… in whatever she creates (or wears!) there is an emphasis on form. An occupational therapist by training, Frances has been making ceramics and curating exhibitions since the 1980s and practically every pot turned out from her kiln over three and a half decades has been a sculptural work of genius, usually with an element of surprise – be it an enthusiastically crazed surface or added shards of glass, metal or wood.
Recently, as well as conjuring up contemporary glazed stoneware classics she has been painting and making jewellery and sensual metal figures. But, in typical Frances style, all make bold statements in their own ways, the pieces of jewellery are strong in outline and /or outrageous in colour, the abstract paintings are heavily textured and destined to become talking points wherever they are displayed and many of the matt aluminium figures have twists of glossy acrylic enveloping the human like form. What keeps the pieces ever fascinating is Frances’ constant craving to try something new. When she has worked out the best way of making something for her own satisfaction she moves on to something else.
“The challenge is in getting it right!”
And it’s precisely for this reason it’s well worth going to her exhibitions, you never know what you will find – but it will be memorable.
Appointment only 01494 549908
www.francesmaceart.com/
