“Inspired, Formed and Fired” exhibition at Back to Back Galleries is a journey of two potters, Jenny Bickley and Christine Coates. Official opening 3-5pm Saturday 19 April. Runs until 4 May 2025

Jenny Bickley
Learning how emotion plays a huge part in the creation of art has been a motivation for this exhibition. The idea that people can experience inner peace and rest through emotional harmony, securing your joy, despite chaotic circumstances and negative emotions which may surround them, is my inspiration. Communicating this through my art has been a joyous journey using colour, texture and form. I have explored techniques such as wheel throwing, hand building, weaving, eco-dying, sgraffito and carving using a variety of materials and combining them in ways that for me express curiosity, wonder, joy and sadness in ways that words often cannot.

Christine Coates
On a beach a seed pod was discovered, unlike any I had seen before. Using hand building, pinch pots and slab construction formed the basic shapes. Based on their form my imagination guided my hands and their surface patterns emerged. So far firing is done with an electric kiln, earthenware and mid-fire clays are used. Holding clay, shaping, adding texture. Such a wonderful material. Having always loved rocks, clay allows me a bit closer. Nature is a source of wonder, delight. Form, pattern, the incredible shapes – what a solace, what an inspiration.

Newcastle Studio Potters Inc
Easter Opening Hours: Sat 19, Sun 20, Mon 21, April 11-5pm
57 Bull St, Cooks Hill