My slip cast forms try to keep true to the function and forms of traditional ceramics, while trying to reflect them in a modern and contemporary way. Portraying stories and meanings imbedded within the porcelain forms through print and surface texture is a key aspect to my work. It looks at forgotten places which lie derelict and in a state of decline. The work tries to give its viewer a sense of what the place was once like through print of paper ephemera, as well as illustrating the state of decay in the surface texture.

 Another part of my work looks at my interest in the decline of the ceramic industry. These pieces (Vases) concentrate on using traditional industrial techniques of mould making. Following a similar theme to the other work it uses print to show the historical status the industry and its workers once had, as well as the distressed surface relating to industrial methods like sprigging making symbolic reference to the downfall of the ceramic industry. Like the cracked original wax moulds the pieces act as an icon of the remains of a once thriving workplace.

Being made for a competition with the Wedgwood Museum; some of these Vases now sit with in there permanent collection after being selected as the overall winner.

 

Ian studied printmaking at Northampton College of Art, gaining an MA qualification in his chosen field.
Prior to becoming a professional printmaker, Ian has spent time teaching and working as a freelance designer and artist/illustrator.
Ian has had his work featured in exhibitions at the Royal Academy, the Royal Watercolour Society and several galleries around the country. Ian has also had his work reviewed by Sister Wendy fot the television programme ‘Moving Art’.
Ian is an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society and a member of the Printmakers Council.

Ian says of his work;
“My work does not explore any one theme, but many. Likewise, I do not restrict myself to any one media, but consider it important to be flexible. I feel too rigid working procedures can restrict the creative possibilities within a subject.
In recent years etching has come to be my primary vehicle of expression. Many of my etchings utilise traditional techniques and processes, but a large part of my work remains experimental, continuing established traditions of the artist as a printmaker.”

 

Gary Long is a figurative painter who is invloved in the making of images concerned with the coast, sea, sky, weather and the impressions they leave.

Gary Long was born in Birmingham, England in 1945. He attended Birmingham College of Art after which he spent two years working as an illustrator in Vancouver, Canada. On returning to England, made advanced studies at Manchester College of Art graduating with the equivalent of an MA by research.

Since leaving college, Gary has worked as a successful illustrator on numerous national and international accounts in publishing and advertising.

He is an artist member of the Society of Illustrators in New York and a part time lecturer at the University College Falmouth. Gary, with his Canadian wife Pat, recently moved to St Ives from Devon to be closer to the environment that most inspires him.

Video links to Gary at work

At Pendeen Watch
Gary on BBC spotlight

Current work by Gary

 

gallerysca