Abigail Schama presents an exhibition of new ceramic works on the theme of listening and receptivity. These are displayed within her working studio, The Mews Coachworks, a female makers’ space in West London housed in the original studio of sculptor Antanas Brazdys.

These new ceramic works suggest an active hunger seeking the nourishment of speech as well as food: a rim that becomes an open beak, a vessel resembling a listening shell. They have been described by the author Margie Orford as ‘bound together by love and a fractured strength that gives them their fierce and vulnerable beauty’. The process starts at the wheel, then altered, slipped, sometimes bound, drawn or engraved upon before being fired and re-fired.

This event supports the charity Camden Psychotherapy Unit (CPU). With that in mind, the thrust of these works concerns a vessel or body having the capacity to hold and listen. They also raise critical questions of our received ideas about functionality and dysfunctionality. The event includes cocktails and food by chef Rosie Sykes, some of which is cooked in the studio’s pottery kiln.

The talk with Abigail Schama and Rosie Sykes discusses fulfillment and the creative process; making a vessel or a dish of food is not an end in itself but part of an ongoing conversation that is as much about social and emotional connection as it is about the act of creation itself. Abigail and Rosie explore the different ways craft and cooking speak to our states of emptiness and longing, especially in light of the tactile deprivations of COVID-19.

The free exhibition opens on Thursday evening, visitors must register for a ticket. The event on Sunday is a paid-for ticketed talk and lunch, in support of CPU.

Exhibition, booking not necessary - Free
Friday 8 October 2021 @ 12:00 - 16:00
Saturday 9 October 2021 @ 12:00 - 16:00

Talk, booking necessary - £35
Sunday 10 October 2021 @ 12:00 - 16:00