Art by Julian Richards

The three found objects and one constructed ceramic piece explore the idea and aesthetics of decay, a process which can create extraordinary beauty from everyday materials.

The effects of seawater, sand and stones can be seen in the objects of metal shown in the pictures, sculpted and softened, moved on from their prosaic origins.

There is also a glass jar which remains the same after burial, only its surfaces, now clouded and becoming iridescent, have evolved.

The final object captures the effects of rapid destruction by fire. It’s inspired by the remains of burnt prehistoric houses, fired clay enfolding the impressions of incorporated twigs.

Other works include ‘The Use of Sarum’, made from the posts of a stile that formerly stood on the ramparts of Old Sarum Hillfort  and from chalk. There’s a bit of a play on words here but I love the almost ecclesiastical form of the upturned posts and the contrasts between pure white chalk and the decayed wood. And it’s all about the present day ‘use’ of Sarum, a contrast to the real ‘Use of Sarum’, a 12th century order of church service that was devised there and became widely used during the Middle Ages.

I have also dragged out a couple of my old pieces from the 1970’s. Nice to give them an airing.