‘Simon Carroll (b.1964) is known for his exuberant, often challenging ceramic vessels. Uniquely expressive, his pots deconstruct the history of ceramics, particularly Staffordshire slipware. He draws inspiration from an eclectic range of sources including Elizabethan ruffles, sombreros, Cornish wind-farms, Henri Matisse and his own experience of working on the land. Intuitively constructed, the vessels are anarchic, breaking all conventions of the highly finished form. Walls crack, bases list, classic lines are pummeled, references deliberately clash, surfaces are inconsistent. Equally informed by his print-making and large-scale raked beach drawings, mark-making is a vital element of the artist’s language. The build up of surfaces which are richly painted or dripped with slips and glazes, are energetic and engage with a surreal wit. Carroll’s vessels challenge the boundaries of ceramic practice, and move towards sculptural form whilst indulging in the sheer joy of making.’- Tate St.Ives programme of events.

‘It has always been a good suggested practice for artists to draw and look at tradition. I believe this to be fundamental and enriching. I also enjoy the results of everyday work, a freshly cleared brook, laid hedges, boat building, and construction-cleaning bricks, pencil and chalk marks. Takeshi Yasuda gave me a great compliment after seeing my work, he wrote “I saw Simon Carroll’s work first time in Oriel, Cardiff, three years ago, three large tubs, simple in their basic shape but very complex in their expression. There was a madness in them, which was not just the style-I think he can’t help it. I bought a mug of his at the shop, I drink my morning coffee from it almost every morning and this mug has a madness in it too.” If it is madness I embrace it, as I embrace cracks, imperfections, and flaws often accruing as a result of an intense working process, which at times may be disturbing, unsettling, passionate and funny. And can also feel very wicked.’


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