Exhibitions, CV and Timeline

Gallery

Word of Mouth

An exhibition of ceramics

Mayfair, London

from 19th October to 18th November 2022

 

This first major collection of playful ceramic works from Kitty Shepherd will include ceramic jars, plates and vases and is intended to display a number of multifaceted stories.

At heart ‘Word of Mouth’ is a simple story of names, colours and a touch of social history. Every lipstick chosen for illustration throughout the selected works is a reflection of the popularity of cosmetics over the last 75 years and in all cases, a genuine example of an actual cosmetic product and its name. Some of these have been discontinued, but many are still current and have retained their eccentric and idiosyncratic naming conventions. As a particularly whimsical and poignant choice in this Jubilee year, one is included that was made for and used by Elizabeth II, the late monarch.

The centrepiece of the collection will be the titular work; 48 ceramic tablets, each illustrating a favourite lipstick and all framed together to create a burst of colour which at first glance, resembles a stained-glass window. In the same manner, the work depicts a journey with each tablet and its individual lipstick having its roots in a collective nostalgia and open to individual interpretation.

Alongside this will be a second installation of 48 ceramic tiles, entitled ‘Needle Drop’. In a similar nod to contemporary culture, each tile will illustrate one of a personal selection of popular song titles from the last 60 years.

Intended to be viewed together, the subject matter of the two installations represents both the vacuity and triviality of western society, yet at the same time acknowledges their transitory importance.

TIMELINE

Born

  • 1960 United Kingdom

Education

  • Chichester College Sussex – Drama and Theatre Studies (1978-1980)
  • City College Brighton – Art Foundation Course (1980)
  • City College Brighton – H.N.D. 3D industrial Design (1980 – 1982)
  • Sussex University – Diploma of Education (1995)

Work in Public collections

2019 Lecturing

  • FUSION: ANNUAL CONFERENCE The Ontario Clay and Glass Association  McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. 31st May. I’ll be on the panel discussing who inspired me, where I trained, how I make my work.  All the secrets of my making processes. British Potters Potting 2019

Projects – Commissions and Collaborations

  • Vessel for Institute of The Ontario Clay and Glass Association
  • ‘Art for the visually impaired’; Six week project working with the RNIB producing a collection of slipware with raised surface and Braille transcripts – 2005
  • ‘Significant Objects’; Six week multimedia project resulting in a touring exhibition of work from refugees and prisoners – 2004
  • Koestler Trust arts coordinator South East and Wormwood Scrubs – 2003 – 2005

Residencies

  • Artist in residence HMP FORD PRISON in conjunction with Central Saint Martins under graduates 2003 – 2005
  • Castle Howard, Yorkshire London School of Needlework restoration project – 1982

TV Radio & Publication

Studios

  • No. 146  Studio Granada Spain- 2016 – Current
  • Jose Antonio No. 7 studio, Granada, Spain – 2007 – Current
  • The Mill Studio Arundel West Sussex 2002 – 2007
  • Amberley Museum, Arundel, West Sussex 1990 – 2001
  • Earnly Pottery, Earnly, Witterings West Sussex 1982 – 1984

Office address

  • 7 Bell Yard,
    London,
    WC2A 2JR