Objects and Ornaments is an exhibition of works displaying the evolution of Tom's practice over the first half of his graduate residency at AirSpace. The work investigates the boundaries between sculpture, painting and Installation. Tom’s pieces consist of a process of deconstruction of the traditional elements of these mediums, which are then recombined into a new composition.
His recent work recent work aims to use the medium of ceramics within the context of contemporary sculpture to construct hand made pieces that contrast with found objects to explore the conventions of the material. The work plays with the ideas of function and ornament using balance and weight to create unique compositions. As well as investigating display and hanging mechanisms, questioning the hierarchy of the gallery space and looking at the borders between functional material and ornament. The ceramic pieces aim to give new function to the material by using it in a variety of new and innovative situation and working with the clay's innate qualities.
The AirSpace Gallery Graduate Residency Scheme, running since 2012, seeks to tackle graduate retention in Stoke-on-Trent and offers new arts graduates an opportunity to bridge the gap between education and a professional arts career. Residents receive free personal studio space for 6 months, and full access to the Gallery's facilities. There is an emphasis on professional development, with a series of monthly mentoring meetings, led by Gallery directors and invited artists. The scheme offers two exhibition opportunities within the Gallery - an interim exhibition in the AirSpace Resource Room and the final all-important solo exhibition.
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