Blackwater Polytechnic presents an exhibition of exceptional construction in wood, textiles, ink, paint, metal & concrete made by men and women with their hands.
Happy Days presents the self-sufficiency and mental toughness of a group of artists whose work ploughs its own furrow. These artists are above all true to them- selves. And through commitment to a unique vision make amazing work. They are wildly different but together add up to more than the some of their parts.
All the artists in this exhibition share a sense of quality and joy of materials, some embracing the broken, damaged and fixed, some creating the perfect surface. In defiance of the quick fix they use craftiness and skill to create resonant structures and surfaces.
The artists offer the ‘consolation of the considered detail’* whether on an architectural wall slab or on a jewel encrusted finger of flint. Their work embraces the local, the emotional and handicraft. Building is our art.
Look out for the Blackwater Polytechnic with The Essex Embassy at Sluice Art Fair in Bermondsey 18th-20th October 2013
* John Pawson A Visual Inventory Thames and Hudson 2012
Left: Rosalind Davis Right: Sonia York on walls built by David Howe with Ben Coode-Adams
Left: Paula Kane Right: David Kefford on walls built by Dvaid Howe with Ben Coode-Adams
Left: Paula Kane Right: Ben Coode-Adams on walls built by Dvaid Howe with Ben Coode-Adams
Below: David Gates’ Bird Hide built by David, Ben Coode-Adams and David Howe
©Doug Atfield
Below: Inside the hide.
©Doug Atfield
Below: Freddie Robin’s organ cushions with the Paintbox Caddy Hood
©Doug Atfield