Since retiring from a career at Hull School of Art & Design, Malcolm and Mandy have started a new life in Devon, returning to the city to present this inspiring exhibition of ceramics and paintings at Studio Eleven on Humber Street.
Many of Hull’s artists and designers will remember this husband-and-wife team as inspirational tutors and knowledgeable mentors. A collection of ceramics by Mandy Race and paintings by Malcolm Race will open at Studio Eleven on Wednesday 16 March and run until Sunday 8 May.
Mandy Race Ceramics
Mandy began her career in knit and textile design, graduating from the prestigious Goldsmith’s University. She has exhibited in many exhibitions, e.g., at the ICA London and more recently at the Earth & Fire International Ceramics Fair in Nottingham. With a professional portfolio of knit and textile designs, her work has been represented in publications and has led to a career in delivering textile design courses at undergraduate level.
Mandy has taught across the UK and in 1990, she became the Couse Leader for BA Hons Textiles 1990-2013 at Hull School of Art & Design, inspiring many generations of designers. This prolific knowledge of surface pattern has led Mandy to discover ceramics.
“My porcelain pots are inspired by the rocky coastal weathered Devon landscape. They are three dimensional drawings using mark making into the soft clay, creating texture, and eroding the surfaces of the pots with sgraffito. These tiny vessels are linked to nature with each pot having individual character, not only like the coast but also like a small person. They are used to display dried wildflower seed heads found whilst out walking, helping to concentrate the eye on the tiny intricacies of nature often overlooked for their structural beauty.”
Malcolm Race Paintings
Malcolm studied fine art painting at the Leeds Polytechnic (now Leeds Metropolitan University) from 1971 – 74. After moving to Brighton, Malcolm gained a teaching certificate at the Brighton Polytechnic. Inspiring generations of artists and presenting his paintings within many exhibitions has led Malcolm to teach at the Hull School of Art & Design, on many of the courses – the most recent being the BA (hons) Fine Art Course Leader from 2006 – 2010.
“For me painting is about the wonderful world of colour, the qualities of the pigment and the infinite possibilities of application. While painting I am constantly surprised by the resulting unique effects and recognise that the natural landscape mirrors these constant changes, feeding my painting and giving me fresh inspiration. This new direction in my painting has been highlighted by my move to Devon with its different surroundings of steep hills and contours of hedgerow”.
About Studio Eleven Gallery
Studio Eleven is an established studio and gallery which has grown out of a creative practice that has responded positively to the post-industrial site that is the historic Fruit Market in Hull. Since 2009, we have provided an important service to artists, and continue to enthuse the community to get involved through open workshops and free inspiring exhibitions.
A not-for-profit organisation, we provide creative activity, membership access to the workshop, open days, 5-day gallery opening for exhibitions, and a workshop programme. We are the only gallery in Hull to provide a selling platform for local and regional contemporary craft, ceramics, and painting.