What I saw when I went away
5th - 24th October 2015
e.g.etal
Celebrating her 20th year of making jewellery, Katherine Bowman brings together her full complement of skills in a new exhibition of jewellery, sculpture and painting. What I saw when I went away draws on Katherine’s recent travels to New York City, comprising a selection of subjective, abstract ‘souvenirs’. Through these objects, Katherine explores the idea that when we travel to see things, what we really see is ourselves.
The projection of self onto what you see, experience, and ultimately what you create is central to Katherine’s philosophy. This exhibition is a reflection on how travel and new experiences inform the creation of original work, and how the act of seeing becomes the instigator of the creative process. These new works are traces of the experience of travel, interpreted in an entirely subjective way.
The exhibition also marks the launch of Katherine’s sculptural work, intended to both extend her range and also to tell the story of her artistic practice. For Katherine, jewellery-making has its roots in sculpture – it is the process of sketching, painting and sculpture that informs her work. Moving from large painting to sculptures, to small votives and then eventually to rings, this exhibition takes the viewer on a journey through Katherine’s artistic process.
Referencing museum relics, three bronze sculptures mimic ancient artefacts, but with ‘awkward’ elements that clearly mark them as modern pieces. These idiosyncrasies are important to Katherine’s work: a challenge to the viewer to think and engage. A collection of small votives – objects carried for protection or remembrance – is inspired by prehistoric clay figures. Designed to be held and carried rather than worn, these animalistic figures engage the sense of touch. For Katherine, votives explain the significance of jewellery and are the natural link between sculpture and jewellery: highly personal objects with emotional significance, often offering reassurance or an anchor to tradition.
