Garry Jones Ceramics

Everybody needs a good laugh and right now Artery Gallery has exactly the pieces to bring a smile to your face. We are pleased to be exhibiting work by ceramicist Garry Jones, whose farm animal creations have character and personality all their own.

Garry loves animals, and that is apparent in his work. He says that they are a ‘continuous source of amusement, happiness, sadness, and of course inspiration.’ All of his ceramic animals are created as 3-D cartoons, somewhat reminiscent of Wallace and Gromit, and their expressions are the essence of the sculpture. Garry does that intentionally, as he aims to give animals human characteristics. He says that his sculptures are ‘a reaction to observations of animal behaviour; I set out to make people laugh.’ He also uses wordplay of common phrases such as ‘Ewe and Me’ and ‘Ewe-fo’ and emulates old silent films where the emphasis was on the expression alone.

The work has a raku glaze, which Garry prefers as the process creates a more unpredictable finish, making each piece unique. The unpredictable style complements the expressions on his animals’ faces, maintaining continuity between the funny and unexpected ideas and the fluid, unpredictable design.

All of his work is filled with humour, whether through the surprised expressions on the animals faces, the comical scenes in which they are depicted, such as ‘Over The Moon’ or through his parodies of the famous sculptures ‘The Thinker’ or ‘The Kiss’ by Rodin, whose poses Garry mimics with hares as his subject rather than people.

While Garry creates a variety of animal sculptures, including chickens, sheep, dogs, hares, cows and more, the current pieces in Artery are part of his sheep series of work, accompanied by ‘Beefcake’ the quirky bull. His sheep come in a variety of sizes and scenes, and they would make a perfect gift for children or adults. With prices starting from just £30 for these fun wee sheep you really can’t go wrong. They have been bringing a smile and a laugh to passers-by, and would be sure to warm your home and your heart.

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