‘A Tale of Turning’ – a solo show by John Hodgson
Private view October 27 (6pm-8pm)
Resipole Studios (October 27-December 2, 2017)
Resipole Studios and Fine Art Gallery are proud to present its solo exhibition of work by local woodturner John Hodgson. The show, entitled A Tale of Turning showcases a new collection of wooden sculpture, which gives a visual narrative of the local landscape and the tree’s deep-rooted place in West Highland history. Hodgson explains: ‘I work almost entirely with local fallen wood and each tree brings its own history and characteristics, which guide me towards creating my finished pieces. Every tree requires a new approach and presents new challenges to understand and interpret the hidden secrets of the wood.’
The series of large and small woodturnings manifest stories of the land, some mythical, some historical. ‘Fuadach
nan Gaidheal’, which translates as ‘A Highland Clearance’, takes centre stage. It is a large installation of several turnings that stand in a contorted formation as if being physically forced away by two taller wooden forms at the head. Representing an eviction of two families by the factor and his assistant, during the infamous Highland Clearances, John Hodgson uses wood of indigenous Wych elm growing at that time and from the Ardtornish estate, where the Highlanders were forced from.
A Tale of Turning also features a short film about the sculptor himself, giving insight into Hodgson’s artistic process and philosophy behind woodturning. This will be screened throughout the exhibition.
About John Hodgson Originally from the
Lake District, John Hodgson is now based on the Morvern peninsula. He has worked with wood from an early age, pursuing a career in wooden boatbuilding and mastering the skills that now aid his artistic practice. Hodgson’s works of art are sold in galleries across the country and in 2006, he was proud to accept an invitation to become a member of the Register of Professional Turners.
About Resipole Studios and Fine Art Gallery
Resipole Studios is an award-winning fine art gallery with onsite artist studios, located at Acharacle. The unique exhibition space hosts an exciting annual programme of exhibitions and workshops of Scottish contemporary art that is both emerging and established.
The gallery was
launched in 2004 by Andrew Sinclair after a two-year renovation of an agricultural byre. An arts graduate himself, Andrew recognised the need for a professional gallery space in his home area but also for professional studio facilities, to enable resident and visiting artists to access high quality resources in a truly inspirational Highland setting.
Since its launch, Resipole Studios continues to present work by artists of many disciplines, with Scotland as their key focus. With many award-winning artists on its roster, the gallery is regarded as one of Scotland’s leading contemporary art spaces and consequently, in 2016 was selected to show work by the late American abstract-expressionist Jon Schueler to mark the centenary of his birth.