Chris Pring at Beacon House Gallery

Chris Pring is a potter who makes functional domestic stoneware and delicate porcelain pieces for the home as well as garden sculptures in stoneware and terracotta.

I bought one of Chris’s pieces – a gift for Anne, who was struck by the beauty of his work – so, it’s a great joy to have Chris exhibiting at Beacon House for the SHAF (South Hams Arts Forum) Arts Trail in October this year.

Chris Pring: Garden sculpture

Chris Pring: Garden sculpture

Chris’ work is strongly influenced by the creations of Andy Goldsworthy and the simple forms of Barbara Hepworth and his thrown vessels show his appreciation of works by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada.

Chris Pring: Garden sculpture - Hepworth inspired

Chris Pring: Garden sculpture – Hepworth inspired

I’m sure you will love his work as much as we do!

Chris Pring: The Wheel

Chris Pring: The Wheel

WHAT IS THE SHAF ARTS TRAIL?

This year, the SHAF Arts Trail runs from October 12th to October 27th. Two whole weeks, including half-term week, in which you can enjoy art in the South Hams!

SHAF membership is extremely diverse so, while some artists create in purpose-built studios, others produce their work at the kitchen table.

Consequently, the Arts Trail will lead visitors to some artists working in their home studios and to others exhibiting in galleries and exhibition halls.

At each venue, visitors will find artists happy to discuss their art-form, explain the processes involved and provide the opportunity to view, appreciate and buy unique pieces of work.

SHAF programme

Following the Arts Trail also gives visitors an unusual opportunity to explore the glorious South Hams as they map their route and discover more and more artists’ venues (as well as cream tea venues).

Beacon House is one of 27 venues at which, in total, 67 artists are showing their work.

BEACON HOUSE GALLERY ON THE SHAF ARTS TRAIL

I’ve lost count of the number of years we’ve been involved in the SHAF Arts Trail. As ever, we are open every day from 10am until 5pm, apart from the two Tuesdays.

This year, we are the only venue in Salcombe and you will find a warm welcome awaits you. Tea/coffee and cake is available throughout the day.

There is also preview evening on Friday 11 September. Invitations will be sent out by email to all those who have previously purchased my art, plus the gallery owners and shops who exhibit my work – and friends who enjoy seeing my art.

Invitations will also go out via Michael Hill who is exhibiting at Beacon House again this year, and via Chris Pring for whom this is a first visit to Beacon House.

If you don’t receive an invitation, and would like to enjoy an evening with wine and nibbles and good company, surrounded by wonderful art, contact me!

More about Chris Pring

Chris trained in ceramic design with Ian Wallace in Derbyshire and has been teaching pottery to children and adults for many years. He is a strong believer in working with clay as therapy and put this to good use helping vulnerable children in the Yeovil area.

Chris Pring: Porcelain plates

Chris Pring: Porcelain plates

In 2012, he moved his pottery business from Dorset to Devon.

His work has been exhibited in galleries in Dorset and South Devon and he is a member of the West Country Potters Association and the South Hams Arts Forum ‘SHAF’.

Chris Pring: Blue vase

Chris Pring: Blue vase

Chris offers pottery lessons for both beginners and the more experienced and is always happy to take commissions.  His studio, in Kellaton, a rural hamlet in deepest South Devon, is open to visitors by appointment.

Further examples of Chris’ work can be seen on his website: www.kellatonpottery.co.uk and www.craftcourses.com.

Chris Pring: Trees

Chris Pring: Trees

2017 exhibition schedule

It’s that time of year – firming up the 2017 exhibition schedule.

My diary is already looking full!

Please put these dates in your diary. Once the days and times when I will be stewarding are decided, I will post news on my Facebook page and here also. It’s your chance to ‘meet the artist’!

 

Salcombe Art Club Summer exhibition
Thursday 13 April – Saturday 30 September 2017

2017 exhibition scheduleAs a member of  Salcombe Art Club, I’ve exhibited in the club’s Summer Exhibition for many years now.

I usually submit 5 paintings, and the rule is that none of these original works of art can have been hung in the Loft Gallery in the previous three years. This encourages artists to keep on painting!

Handing in day is 1 April – five weeks away and I am hard at work.

The Loft Studio is open 7 days a week from 11am until 5pm. Admission is free.

 

Consuming Passions Exhibition
Tuesday 6 June – Sunday 18 June 2017
2017 exhibition schedule

This is a new one for me. It’s organised by SHAF (South Hams Arts Forum). I’ve been a member of that organisation for several years and have enjoyed the events they organise for local artists: talks and social events.

This will be my first joint venture with them, in an exhibition!

It’s at Harbour House. Kingsbridge – a wonderful gallery space – and I’ll be exhibiting probably 7 paintings there.

Doors will be open from 10am – 5pm and admission is free.

 

One-man exhibition in the Redfern Health Centre
Thursday 29 June – Thursday 27 July 2017

Full members of Salcombe Art Club are asked to display their work for one month – so that those visiting the Redfern have something to admire while waiting to see the doctor.

It’s an honour to be on the team again and to know that my paintings may provide some cheer to those having health issues.

On one occasion, a gentleman recognised Burgh Island in one of my paintings as the venue for his marriage many years previous. He purchased it as a surprise for his wife. How romantic!

The Redfern benefits from all sales; – a percentage of the purchase price is donated to their funds.

 

One-man exhibition in the Little Studio in the Loft Gallery
Sunday 13 August – Saturday 26 August 2017

2017 exhibition scheduleSalcombe Art Club invite members, including associate members, to take one or two weeks in the Little Studio, to display as many of their paintings as they can hang in the space.

More recent paintings that didn’t sell last year can be hung so they usually get another airing.

I’ll be stewarding all day both Sundays, so that’s a good time to pop in and chat, if you want to ‘meet the artist’.

The photo is me – last year.

 

SHAF Arts Trail
Saturday 14 October – Sunday 29 October
2017 exhibition schedule

The South Hams Art Forum (SHAF) usually have a one-week Arts Trail. This year, it’s extended to two weeks so that those on holiday in the area might have more opportunity to attend during the school’s half-term holiday.

Viewings at Beacon House Gallery are usually by appointment but, for the period of the SHAF Arts Trail, we will welcome visitors 11am-3pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 10am-5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (Closed on a Tuesday)

 

Beacon House Gallery
Private viewings 2017

I usually hold a private preview evening ahead of the start of the season, but the gallery is being refurbished and works will not be completed before Easter.

Instead, there will be an event to celebrate the re-opening of Beacon House Gallery – whenever that happens!

If you would like to be advised about the date of this event and to receive an invitation, please contact me.