The gaps engineer breathing spaces in the painting that encourage an additional dialogue within and around the work. Whilst the three-dimensional planes of the plates engender an alternative viewpoint, the ceramic forms deliver shadows and highlights creating intriguing faceted elements that change with the light. Embracing the Japanese concept of Ma, where each negative space is as valuable as the positive, each void adds meaning, balance and rhythm to the painting.
The concept for the painting is developed and then the lengthy process of sourcing the exact combination of antique ceramics to build the platescape is commenced. It is not only the shape and size that matters, but also the clay, the age, wear and marks. Decoration, colour and subject are also key, as all contribute to the success of the composition. Each element is well researched before the final painting is planned.
The language of the old cloth is harnessed to enhance the pictorial narrative. By using the characteristics of antique material as a canvas, it becomes a contributing value to the work. The ancient hand woven cloth, with its attractive vagaries of the hand made process, is extolled in each celebration of the selvedge, hem, join or seam. Antique embroidery, cutwork and lace are employed in some paintings, where this extra attribute is appropriate and prized.
The pattern on the original plates is fundamental to the concept behind the work. Whether traditional bucolic scenes in Toile de Jouy style or massed florals, the aim is to guide the subject matter and enhance the final composition. From a distance the overall effect is harmonious, but on close inspection the miniature details are revealed. The manipulation of scale adds further depth to the engagement.
Creating art with a multi-layered ambition has always been a preoccupation. In 'Breathing Space' I have found a challenging format that embraces my passion for both painting and form. The platescapes add a 3D perspective that bridges the gap between painting and sculpture.
Blue Vase
An original still life oil painting on a collection of 7 pieces of antique china. The painting features preserved eucalyptus leaves and dried craspedia flowers in a blue vase with an orange and lemon, becomes disjointed and yet enhanced, as the narrative is rewritten in the breathing spaces.
Materials:
Ceramics
7 pieces of antique crockery
- Pair of antique Booths tureen plates in the Princess pattern. Semi porcelain Rd. 183173.
- Victorian tureen plate no.186329
- Antique tureen semi-porcelain plate no.345664
- Booths 1906 moon side plate in Lowestoft Border design
- 1886 saucer Pre Shelley Old Foley Rd. no. 49676 (3645)
- Victorian Childs doll house plate with willow pattern
Cloth
Old linen tea cloth - hem used to suggest a frame
Paints
Michael Harding UK: professional hand made, ethical oil paints.
Hanging
Each part of the painting is supplied with a plate hanger.
A life size plan, showing the exact location for hanging each composite piece, is provided.
Dimensions of composite painting: height 63cm x width 56cm
Fishing
An original oil painting on a collection of 4 pieces of vintage china. The painting features freshwater fish swimming in a golden pool of light where the breathing spaces add another layer of disjuncture. The narrative is enhanced with the bucolic scenes of fishermen on the vintage plates.
This artwork was launched at The Gallery, 23 Lees Yard, Holt NR25 6HS in the Fired Earth exhibition 31st October – 10th November 2026.
Materials:
Ceramics
4 pieces of vintage crockery
- 1930-40 Royal Doulton 'Norfolk' dinner plate
- 1950-60 Crown Ducal 'Bridge Scenes' dinner plate
- Vintage Alfred Meakin 'Queens Castle' oval serving platter
- Vintage dinner plate
Cloth
1800s French peasant flax cloth - grown, spun and hand woven by rural folk - hand stitched hem used to suggest a frame
Paints
Michael Harding UK: professional hand made, ethical oil paints.
Hanging
Each part of the painting is supplied with a plate hanger. A life size plan, showing the exact location for hanging each composite piece, is provided.
Dimensions of composite painting: height 71cm x width 61cm