Through a metaphorical cellar termed by Gaston Bachelard, Mason invites us to embrace ambiguity and “unbridle our minds”, much like the sacred caves of our ancestors. “All my pots are flights of fancy,” he says. His pieces echo the fascination for what lies within and beyond – a womb-like, cave-like mystery that captivates our intrigue and wonder. Dark clay blends, enriched with iron – earth's abundant metallic element – and coarse, rocky inclusions, take centre stage. Some works pay homage to porcelain's rich history, while others boldly reject it, delving into deep underworlds. Raw geology punctuates Mason's practice, a nod to the unimaginable forces that shaped both him and the world around us.
Mason’s sensory fascination with clay began under the tutelage of ceramicist Judith Trim, and he has since developed his art arguably in line with the deconstructive style of Peter Voulkos or Lucio Fontana. His distinctive art intertwines the disciplined intuition of Art Informel with the highly skilled techniques he has mastered in over 35 years spent exploring the field. For Mason, the ceramic experience can be likened to a vivid journey through fantastical vistas and endless possibilities. By challenging tradition, he defies the norms by asserting that porcelain, which is often synonymous with light, can embody the weight and depth usually attributed to stoneware. As a result, clay, with its contrasting energies, becomes a palette for Mason to restlessly probe and explore.
“Ceramics is an intimidating arena. Technical and practical challenges abound. Additionally, the pottery vessel is a strange fledgling in contemporary art discourse, though it is as ancient as civilisation itself. I demand much of it, firmly believing in its power whilst recognising its evolving role as a medium. That I can navigate an individual creative practice in this context is a rare privilege.”
- Gareth Mason
Carpenters Workshop Gallery is pleased to represent the work of Gareth Mason in collaboration with Jason Jacques Gallery.
