Nicholas Rowe LSDC

Concerned that many of the materials and processes he explored had negative environmental impact, Nicholas’ final degree work used a combination of locally sourced Cherry wood and raw Gestingthorpe clay. A symbiotic relationship was created between the ceramic and wooden vessels as they shared companion profiles. The unique characteristics of the unrefined Gestingthorpe clay has added textures and voids by incorporating waste wood shavings from its wooden counterpart.

On winning their 2015 Graduate Award, Nicholas joined an established community of practicing professional artists at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, where he continues to develop his woodturning practice. Due to practical considerations he has recently adjourned exploring ceramics and has instead found other sustainable uses for his waste wood shavings.

Carefully studying each piece of wood prior to turning, having sourced the green (wet), seasoned and reclaimed wood locally, Nicholas decides on an initial form but is often pleasantly surprised by hidden voids, cracks, spalting lines or ripples. To make sure these natural features can be admired he often alters the final form.

Pleasures are found in turning both green (wet) and seasoned woods. Creating a seasoned piece can be a quicker process and finer finishes achieved. Nicholas is passionate about turning green (wet) wood as it generates different challenges. Once the desired form is completed he controls the drying process that can take up to 18 months, minimizing cracking or failure. The wood is allowed to naturally deform contributing to the final result, usually an oval form with rim changes and tactile undulating grain.

Nicholas aims to create work of integrity, evocative of locality, celebrating the materials’ aesthetic and tactile qualities, where past and present materials and communities are honestly referenced. By intending his work to be appreciated as art and utilised every day generating a worth that goes beyond material value.

Professional Memberships

Licentiate Member Society Designer Craftsman (LSDC)

Member of Association of Woodturners of Great Britain (AWGB)

Member of two local woodturners clubs affiliated to the AWGB

Education

BA (Hons) Art and Design 3D Design & Craft Degree

(Colchester School of Art & Design/University of Essex)

Awards

Colchester Art Society Open Summer Exhibition 2018 - Third Place

Artist Tenant Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex

Licentiate Member of Society Designer Craftsman

Graduate Scholarship Award from Colchester School of Art & Design/Cuckoo Farm Studios

Exhibitions

2018

Colchester Art Society Winter Exhibition, The Minories Gallery, Colchester, Essex

Flying The Nest Exhibition, Open Arts Space, The Sentinel Gallery, Wivenhoe, Essex

Open Studios, Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex

Colchester Art Society Open Summer Exhibition, The Minories Gallery, Colchester, Essex

2017

Autumn Exhibition, Naze Tower, Walton on the Naze, Essex

Open Studios, Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex

Back Catalogue Exhibition, The Benham Gallery, Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex

2016

Wood Turned Exhibition, The Minories Gallery, Colchester, Essex Solo

Open Studios, Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex

Outside 16 Exhibition, Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex

Designer Crafts at the Mall, SDC Exhibition, The Mall Galleries, London

First Cuckoo of Spring Exhibition, The Benham Gallery, Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex

2015

Christmas Kaleidoscope, The Sentinel Gallery, Wivenhoe, Essex

New Designers, Business Design Centre, London

Commissions

Pieces created from treasured trees or designed with a specified function and/or a particular wood.