Mark Morris
Mark Morris

Education
2008                 MA  Design: Ceramics      Bath Spa University
1980-1981       C&Gs Carving/Sculpture Diploma, Weymouth College
1975-1977       Graphic Illustration, Weston-super-Mare College

Visual art experience
Background in commercial and creative stone and marble carving/sculpture
Freelance 25 years

Shows
MA show - Bath Spa University 2008
Fresh Air-Quenington Sculpture Show, Quenington Old Rectory, Glos. June July 2009
Ludlow Summer Exhibition – Ludlow Shropshire, August 2009
In Two Minds – Joint exhibition with Hans Borgonjon, Milsom Place Bath 2009

Marks work is inspired by the exploration of space around and within a sculpture to create a subtle tension. The use of ceramic and Perspex came from the desire to bring together the historically evocative with the modern. These sculptures although all based around an angular enclosed starting point are made up of strong individual components that vie for recognition.

The circle sits in our subconscious as a strong reminder of all that affects our daily lives. This balanced symbol touches us all; from the understanding of our earth and the movement in the cosmos, through to its iconic use in pagan religion such as the ancient stone circles of Stonehenge through to modern day branding. The counter balance to this iconic symbol is the line/slice which opens up the area of re-interpretation via the process of re-assembly to give the sculpture a fresh presence.

Mark uses Perspex from the first cut in the wet clay to look at the dynamics taking place in the piece, the Perspex opens up what was solid and creates the floating effect within the piece. This is the enjoyable and natural part of the creative process. There is then the skilled part of making that first natural act work in the finished piece via the reworking of the lines and getting the texture of the surface to come to the fore as that becomes a crucial part in the final resolution of the sculpture.