Mak’Merry 1
Mak’Merry 2
I saw a ceramic design in an Edinburgh (UK) museum that I really liked. It was hand – painted Mak’Merry pottery with its bold, uncomplicated, outlines and clean, bright colours. However these ceramics are now museum pieces and not easily obtainable in Australia. Not deterred, I whipped out my drawing pad, sketched the design and took the photos which are shown here. On coming home I hand painted the design onto ceramics which I could then use in my still life setups. I have added a photo of three items I painted in the style of Mak’Merry ware.
My version of the famous Scottish ceramics.
I have used the designs in several still life setups and I have attached four paintings using the Mak’Merry motifs. This small Scottish women’s pottery group was only active for a few decades in the early 20th century, but the work it produced was exceptional.
Bottlebrush
The name of the collective “Mak’Merry” is a pun on the name Macmerry, a local village where some of the women lived. However it also means Make Merry – a call to be joyful, happy and celebrate all the good things in life. That is a good idea and I would hope my paintings could also be seen as a joyous celebration of life! In my homage to Mak’Merry motifs, I would hope to also capture a little of their spirit in my paintings.
Shelves
The potters in this Scottish co-operative were village women rather than experienced craftsmen. They worked around a table rather than in a factory. The women happily decorated pots while chatting as they worked. I think their bright designs still convey some of the happiness of their work.
Still Life with Jacaranda
Next Exhibition
My next art exhibition will be held at the Brisbane Institute of Art from 10th to the 23rd November 2022. Send me a note and I’ll remind you before my art show starts.
