Ruth Claxton

I was first introduced to the work of Ruth Claxton at New Art Gallery Walsall, she presented at a event hosted by The Collective. She talked about how  important the  sale of her work was in relation to her practice and was working towards her solo show, Lands End at Ikon gallery at the time. I was immediately attracted to her work, partly due to colours she uses but also the sweeping circular shapes and mirrored sculptural shelves her sculptures stand on. I also felt a personal connection with it. Years earlier I hadn’t understood my mother’s fascination with Ladro figurines and lived with an occasional piece on the fireplace. My sister and I would save all year to be able to buy her a small piece for her collection at Christmas. I love Ruth’s take on these (tacky, retro) figurines. I see them as defaced yet beautified, with a new alien-esque life and futuristic quality.

I am no authority on art, but I am trying to find more confidence in how I communicate what I like and why. I am involved in The Collective, a national network of households who share and collect visual art in their homes. Its simple, a group of households contribute an agreed sum each month to its art-buying fund. Members take turns to buy work by artists and the group meets to tap into new artistic scenes and exchange the art works for display in their homes. We are currently recruiting members for the Birmingham group and our first gathering will take place at Eastside Projects ahead of the private view of Sculpture Show on Friday 1st May which is curated by Ruth Claxton and director, Gavin Wade. Find out more on the Own Art Website and get in touch if you would like to join us.