Figure It Out features a dynamic mix of contemporary ceramics and painting; showcasing the unique voices of Jemma Gowland, Sam Fowler, and Louise Bass.
Jemma Gowland’s figurative porcelain figures examine how humour and irony can be a catalyst to address female empowerment, misogyny and the role of art as social commentary. Sam Fowler’s bright, contemporary paintings captivate with expressive colour and texture, offering a fresh perspective on the everyday. Louise Bass offers a quirky, humorous approach to her canvas.
A capsule of contemporary ceramics and paintings curated by Director, Adele Howitt.
Sam Fowler
The artist presents bold line work acrylic on canvas, with exaggerated features on her figures carry a subtle political undercurrent. Through simplified forms and symbolic colour, Sam Fowler explores identity and presence of the quiet strength of emotional feeling, declaring yet intimate.
Jemma Gowland
Her ceramic work explores the way that girls are constrained from birth to conform to an appearance and code of behaviour, to present a perfect face, and maintain the expectations of others. From the moment we are born gender affects our future, and upbringing influences our adult life/ Stand up straight, smile nicely, say please.
Louise Bass
The work embraces playful imagination in acrylic, rich colour, and quirky subjects onto canvas. Louise’s paintings are simple, fresh and confident inviting the joys of simple life through her charming compositions celebrating humour and inviting viewers to pause, smile and reconnect with their inner humour. She explores relationships and situations using a cast of characters including Bandit Cat, Crow, Donkey, Fox and Angry Man.
Figure It Out
The exhibition runs from Friday 6th March to Sunday 19th April 2026.
About Studio Eleven
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.
Lead by designer / maker, Adele Howitt, Studio Eleven is 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 studio ceramics, and painting.
Adele Howitt is an artist who predominately works with clay. She has exhibited nationally and internationally and has ceramic art in a number of collections.