Penny Metcalfe - St Michael's Sheerwater

I am an artist who works both in paint and ceramics exhibiting both in galleries and through artists groups. My paintings incorporate my main passions which are the personal space of gardens, nature and the wider landscape and my interest and curiosity about people and their emotions. My ‘Positive Emotions’ series is an exploration of affirmative and optimistic feelings. Paintings which suggest elements of pleasure, awe and wonder and creating a painterly ‘world’ of hope. Both these avenues although quite abstract in thought and practice I think are reflected in the ceramic figures. They too reflect a positive nature and an affirmation of life. A cheeky and slightly sassy enjoyment, a quiet prayer or wish, hope and pleasure.

I create ceramic figure sculptures inspired by ordinary and everyday little moments. Each figure has its own quiet character, identity and personality. Often thoughtful, spiritual or just reflecting on a moment in life. My naked women are standing proud and quietly confident. Made self-possessed and sure from their experiences in life. Their bodies are being celebrated. They calmly and solidly stand on a pedestal wearing in some cases a golden crown. Figures are hand sculpted in clay and then coloured with underglaze, which is layered and textured, often using textural material such as torn card or linocuts to create pattern and texture on the surface.

To inquire about or purchase any of these works, please contact Penny directly at pennymetcalfe@gmail.com. To view more of Penny’s work, visit pennymetcalfe.co.uk.