Portents, 2006. Courtesy Glynn Vivian Gallery
The Glynn Vivian Gallery in Swansea is showing a new exhibition of ceramic works by acclaimed Welsh sculptor Catrin Howell.
Running until October 15 2006, Mythologies brings together Howell’s terracotta sculptures of wild animals. Brought up in a farming community in west Wales, Howell drew her inspiration from the surrounding countryside and from the roles animals have played in myth and literature.
Metamorphosis, 2006. Courtesy Glynn Vivian Gallery
“I am fascinated with animals and the way they are used to convey narratives, from the roles they play in mythology, as iconic symbols, and their ability to trigger memories and emotion,” she explains.
“I am drawn to myth because it allows the impossible to happen, challenging perceptions by playing with assumptions of the real and the supposed.”
Her animal subjects are imbued with respect and dignity. Howell uses her medium expressively and with conviction. It was during her degree course that she really began to focus on animals, creating a series of sculptures based on animals in the Welsh myth, Mabinogion. She has since made a name for herself portraying thin, trembling creatures, such as dogs who defy gravity on spindly legs and horses with long necks.
Catrin Howell. Courtesy Glynn Vivian Gallery
Howell studied at the University of Wolverhampton and later the Royal College of Art in London and her animal sculptures have brought her international acclaim. Her work is found in collections across Europe and the UK, including Prague’s Museum of Decorative Arts, the International Ceramics Studio Collection in Kecskemet, Hungary and the Ceramic Collection at the University of Wales in Aberystwyth.
Howell has also won a number of commissions and prizes like the Fletcher Challenge Award in Auckland, New Zealand and the Gold Medal for Craft and Design at the National Eisteddfod of Wales.
Other sculpture on show at the gallery includes work by Barbara Hepworth, along with paintings by Welsh artists such as Ceri Richards, Gwen and Augustus John.
