Crucible / Fool’s Gold
Thames-Side Studios (@ThamesSideStudiosSE18) is “The UK’s largest site of artist and maker spaces” and wandering through it is a bit like navigating a film studio backlot. People moving about… deliveries being made… lots of numbered industrial-type doors and stacks of stuff to work your way round… but it’s worth the trip.
Currently, split across two spaces, 30+ artists from a correspondence course are exhibiting works. Some are mentors and some mentees, which explains a larger range of quality than you’d expect at a group show. But I wasn’t always sure which was which.
Some of the strongest individual works were in “Crucible” (main gallery), including Diver by Kerry Stewart (@Kerry_W_Stewart) (Image 1) which will immediately captivate your attention as you enter. The quilted pattern 3D printed work of Ian Dawson (@demondawson) (Image 1) is much more vibrant and colourful in person, and I could stare for hours at the deep green glaze of Fat Frog 1 and 2 by Lucy Sheridan (@l.a.sher) (Image 2).
A variety of silly figures by Guy Mayman (@GuyMayman) (Image 3) made me smile then made me wonder why they’re called Bedwetters. And I’m hoping Carolyn Whittaker (@CarolynWhittakerJ) will release a Timelapse video of her ice bowl as it slowly melts to reveal a variety of metal items hidden within, while the dripping watercolours “paint” the paper below (Image 4).
Across the ‘street’, so to speak, is what I felt was a more evenly curated room: “Fool’s Gold”.
You’re greeted outside (and in) by a Matt Foster (@MatthewFosterSculpture) chair and a few more of his ghostlike works (Image 5), which stand in stark contrast to the curious green blobby things by Alex Hegazy (@alex.snax) that entice you to the loo (Image 6).
The work within (Image 7 - also by Alex Hegazy) held the dubious distinction of Grossest Art I’d Ever Seen for a mere 24 hours. (Until I went to the Vomit Vault! 🤮)
Beyond that, loads of feathers and fabric by Diana Wolzak (@DianaWolzak_artist) and many, many Chuting Lee (@LeeChuting) wax rope works appear to be slowly taking over the space, like some kind of friendly looking primordial sci-fi creatures. (Images 8-9)
At the back, Sump by Rachel Causer (@Rachael.Causer) reminded me of an archaeological dig, and then it was hard not to be brought back to reality by the Ukrainian colours of the two works by Tina Culverhouse (@TinaCulverhouseStudio) — although that may or may not be intentional. She wasn’t there for me to ask. (Image 10) UPDATE: See footnote.
And there’s more. Much, much more… so you’re bound to see something you like even if my taste is not your cup of tea.
Crucible & Fool’s Gold are at Thames-Side Studios (@ThamesSideStudiosSE18) until 23 April — but it’s not open every day. Please check their website to confirm opening days & times.
Footnote:
Tina kindly got in touch to explain the following to me about her two works:
“The two pieces were started in December 2021 and the colours chosen from Dylon's most popular chart, Paradise Blue and Sunflower Yellow. The works were started before the terrible Ukrainian war but it felt right to raise up a hopeful nod to the mighty sunflower and drape the hope of paradise in the wall piece. x”