Return to Form

This work is currently available exclusively from Maud and Mabel gallery.

Shop

RETURN TO FORM

STUART CAREY'S CAPTIVATING COMEBACK

After a seven-year hiatus from exhibiting, ceramic artist Stuart Carey is making a triumphant return to the art world with his new collection, "Return to Form." This comeback is not just a personal milestone but a significant development in his work, which Carey has passionately nurtured and refined over the past decade. His journey from Newcastle to London, through the prestigious halls of the Glasgow School of Art and the Royal College of Art, has been one of relentless pursuit of excellence in ceramics. Now, with his new collection, Carey reclaims his place at the forefront of contemporary thrown ceramics.

BIOGRAPHY: THE FORMATIVE YEARS AND BEYOND

His academic excellence translated seamlessly into professional success. Carey's elegant tableware collection, launched upon his graduation from the Royal College of Art, quickly gained international acclaim. Garnering two Designer of the Year awards and attracting prestigious clients such as Conran, John Lewis, Calvin Klein, and Gwyneth Paltrow's 'Goop,' his early work set a high bar in the ceramics world. Yet, after seven successful years, Carey shifted his focus from creation to education, founding the UK's first open-access ceramics studios, he can be found most days leading at The Kiln Rooms, in London, which he co-owns and operates with Ben Cooper.

The Kiln Rooms have become a beacon for professional development in ceramics, inspiring over twenty similar studios across the UK. Carey's contributions to the field were recognized in 2024 with an invitation to 10 Downing Street, celebrating British craftsmanship. In addition to his work with The Kiln Rooms, Carey serves as an associate lecturer at Central Saint Martins, a senior consultant on Channel 4's "The Great Pottery Throw Down," and an on-screen mentor for the BBC’s “Make It At Market.” His book, "From Clay to Kiln," further cements his role as a champion of ceramics, making the craft accessible to all skill levels.

Stuart Carey's creative exploration began in Newcastle, sparked by an inspiring art teacher, Glyn Thomas, who introduced him to the wonders of clay at the tender age of fourteen. This early fascination with the material guided him through four intensive years of ceramics study in school, followed by a BA and an MA, under the tutelage of luminaries like Martin Smith, Felicity Aylieff, Alison Britton, and Emanuel Cooper, Carey honed his craft to perfection

RETURN TO FORM: A NEW CHAPTER

"Return to Form" is more than just a collection; it is a profound statement of artistic renewal. Throughout his hiatus, Carey found solace in knowing that his work with The Kiln Rooms was making a tangible impact on the accessibility and appreciation of ceramics in the UK. He maintained his connection to the craft through commissions and collaborations, yet there remained a growing sense of something missing—a piece of himself that yearned for the tactile, transformative process of creation.

This new collection signifies a dual return: to the exploration of object, surface, and form, and to his potter's wheel that has always been at the heart of Carey's practice. Crafted from white stoneware and porcelain, these vessels are meticulously thrown, each line flowing seamlessly from foot to rim. The pieces are inspired by human silhouettes, gestures and expression, with subtle, subdued tones in soft, satin hues that evoke the sensation of cool silk against skin.

 Carey's attention to detail is evident in every piece. Some forms are subtly altered with a squeeze or an embracing hold, capturing a frozen gesture in time. This physical and emotional connection invites the viewer to touch and interact with the pieces, creating an intimate experience that transcends the visual.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF FORM

Central to Carey's interaction with clay is the idea of elegance in form, a concept inspired by an article by potter Gwyn Hanssen-Pigott on "rightness of form." For over twenty years, Carey has been influenced by the relationship between the visual, physical, and emotional aspects of form. His pursuit of elegance is a continuous journey, with each piece representing a unique blend of perfection and flaw, much like human beings.

"Return to Form" embodies this philosophy. The careful consideration of forms and tones allows the pieces to complement one another, creating groupings that form tribes or families. Like us, they can stand alone, but they have great strength together. Each combination offers new balance, relationships, and considerations, reflecting the complexity and beauty of human connections.

AN INVITATION TO THE AUDIENCE

Stuart Carey hopes that "Return to Form" will resonate deeply with viewers, inviting them to find individual pieces that speak to them or families of objects that sing together in harmony. This collection is not just an exhibition of ceramic art but an invitation to explore the profound connections between form, function, and feeling.

In a world that often feels fragmented, Carey's work offers a sense of calm, unity, and timeless beauty. His return to the forefront of ceramics is a testament to his enduring love for the craft and his unwavering commitment to pushing its boundaries. As viewers engage with "Return to Form," they are not merely observing art; they are participating in a dialogue about the essence of form and the human experience.

Stuart Carey's comeback is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the transformative power of art. "Return to Form" is a milestone in his illustrious career, marking a new chapter in his ongoing journey to shape the future of ceramics.

Images Courtesy of Maud and Mabel gallery.