Award-winning Edinburgh based ceramic artist Lorna Fraser will be An Tobar’s first exhibiting artist of 2005. This exhibition of ceramics will feature a collection of new work especially created for An Tobar.

The title of the exhibition, Metamorphosis , represents a new direction in the work of the artist. Lorna Fraser stated that "acquiring a garden recently has led me to explore the connections between the architectural forms that have influenced me for so long and their relationship to plant life. When translating these ideas into clay it is the strength of shape that is important to me. I find organic forms particularly statuesque in the dormant winter months and I aim to explore the structure and form of the plant whilst also capturing its fragility. Previous work focused on reliquaries as containers for ashes marking the end of nature’s cycle; whereas the emphasis of the new work is on regeneration: the plants are containers for their life-holding seeds - the beginning of the cycle."

Showing alongside this new work Lorna Fraser has gained permission to exhibit her latest privately commissioned work. These are a collection of ornate caskets on the theme of archangels "…it was strange because, just as my work was changing direction I received this amazing commission. The project absorbed me. Although the two styles of work seemed quite diverse, I began to understand that they were, in fact, closely interconnected."

These caskets have been kindly loaned for the exhibition before being placed in a private collection.  An Tobar would like to invite you to attend the preview of the exhibition on Tuesday 1st March from 6-8pm where you will have the opportunity to view this exciting new work and meet the artist.

2-31 March 2005 - Metamorphosis by Lorna Fraser, Gallery I, An Tobar, Tuesday to Saturday, 10.00-16.00hrs.

Lorna Fraser will hold clay workshops at Tobermory High School (tbc), Bunessan After School Club (3.3.05) and The Ross of Mull Brownies (2.3.05).

Please contact Lee Hendrick, Visual Arts and Crafts Officer, for further details on 01688 302211 arts@antobar.co.uk