An impressive hand-decorated stoneware bowl for wall hanging, made by Carl Cunningham-Cole and displayed for a joint exhibition with textile artist Catherina Carapi for Algutsboda Galleri in 1983.
A piece of impactful scale (yet nowhere near Carl Cunningham-Cole's famous 24 inch diameter wall dishes) this bowl is quite unique where Carl's typical style is concerned. This is much more intentional in its painterly approach and effort to depict a scene here, which does not surprise when considering Carapi's textile designs that would have displayed alongside, featuring distinct circles and stripes. In its correct orientation, the scene appears to show a cliff edge, a precipice, upon which stands a lone figure within touching distance of a the focal point - a dark sun set against a dappled blue sky. The way in which the brush has been applied is almost child-like, but turning the bowl over you will find the typical Cunningham-Cole glaze alchemy at play to the exterior walls. Bold splashes and waves of ivory, cream and hints of purple are at play, with his large signature written into the body as opposed to the usual painted name and date to the foot. His hanging wire remains intact and functional yet discreet, making it a piece quite well suited for flat display as well as its intended wall mounting.
Striking, unique, thought provoking, and an artwork that I have immense pleasure in having in the SAD Gallery collection.
I highly recommend watching this fascinating short documentary produced and directed by John Robach later in Cunningham-Cole's career, one of the most genuine and insightful looks at the life of the artist behind the art. It is especially interesting to watch the clay being painstakingly worked, the kick wheel process, the deftness at which the glaze brush is applied, and the immense natural forces at play in his gigantic kiln.
"If I can make a piece sing to its beholder, I feel I have succeeded in expressing not only the aesthetics of art, but the aesthetics of life itself."
Carl Cunningham-Cole was born in Farnham, Surrey, and already began to receive professional recognition for his artistry as early as his teenage years. In the 1960s he relocated to Denmark after his exhibiting successes, working with firms such as Herman Kähler to produce designs for lamp bases and continuing to collaborate in later years. in the 1970s his first and only workshop in Algutsboda, Sweden, was established, and from here he braved the harshest winters and welcomed all the gifts of nature to produce an ever-evolving body of work until his passing in 2015. He fostered a profound connection with his surrounding environment which served not only as inspiration but also for natural resources in his quests for ultimate glaze alchemy. Before his move to Denmark, Carl had also spent three years travelling across India, the Middle East, China, Japan and Korea - these experiences heavily influenced his approach to producing forms as well as glazes that would become his signature. The number of Carl's achievements and exhibitions are simply too great to list; he leaves behind a legacy I hope to preserve and share for as long as I remain a collector.
Specifications:
Hand signed.
Diameter: 29cm / Height/Depth: 12cm
