Playful: narratives of three artists
Arts House Trust Collection Gallery annex
2 - 31 October 2021
Carmen Simmonds
Graeme Hitchcock
Karin Barr
Three contemporary artists showcase their diverse practices.
Formulating their ideas through their love of kiln formed glass and the opportunity for playful experimentation. These artists have produced three individual narratives that demonstrate: the immense versatility of cast glass, the artist's freedom to 'mix it up', and the accumulated skills each
artist contains from years of experience within the discipline of glass art.
Carmen Simmonds
I have always been interested in the historical nature of texture and form, along with the
many crafts associated with women's work. Mixing new and traditional techniques to
create unique sculptural objects has been my focus for more than 20 years and ‘play’ has
been the key concept in the development of my art practice.
These works are my current explorations into expressing my thoughts through text, form
and mix media.
Graeme D Hitchcock
All of my life I have been pushed and driven by a somewhat hyper-active mind resulting in
an extremely busy life. Surviving this trait was/is a challenge.
It was suggested meditation could be the key.
30 years on it is one of the most important things in my life.
For this Play Exhibition I have tried to express the practice in glass sculptures in the
simple forms of a 3 legged stool, bowls and keys. Bringing it together with the simple
words ‘Be still and know…..'
Karin Barr
Generally my work underlines an interest in simple forms showing clear and strong lines.
Attending a Cast Glass & Bronze Workshop and becoming a student in a glass blowing
mentoring program this year opened up a new freedom to explore and play with simple
forms. By revisiting previously learnt crafts and adding newly learnt techniques a new
playful ‘mix up’ RING series evolved. The variously sized RINGS become a symbol of
creativity, love, relationship and beauty.
Carmen Simmonds | Graeme Hitchcock | Karin Barr