SPACE: the unlimited or incalculably great three-dimensional realm or expanse in which all material objects are located and all events occur.
CRAFT: an art, trade, or occupation requiring special skill. A ship or other vessel.
Definitions from : www.dictionary.com
A solo-exhibition by Stephen Bottomley featuring new and previously existing work. The shows aims to capture material fragments and visual elements as a timeline, or trail, focusing on a slow developmental process of material-based and practice-led enquiry and design that has taken place over the recent years and across several locations.
The journeys between his studio in Edinburgh, research time as a visiting artist in Bristol (since 2005) and his academic work in Sheffield, Edinburgh and now Birmingham have all helped shape this praxis that this exhibition seeks to unpack and examine.
Inspired by how ancient techniques can be applied creatively and harmoniously with evolving contemporary materials and technology, Bottomley is known for his hand-made precious metal vitreous enamel jewellery that often combines industrial materials through a range of small batch-production techniques. His work often contrasts and reflects embossed repetitive patterns and textures applied to gentle rhythmic and geometric forms. Striking colours are applied to highlight an underlying modernist aesthetic style.
