Jacqui Chanarin’s work is so infused with a clever yet simple humour that much of its brilliant craftsmanship and the more serious thought behind her pieces can easily be overlooked. But on every level, the viewer is left with the same impression; here is an artist at the very top of her game, with both the skill and confidence to create a series of ceramic artworks that set her apart as a very rare and special talent. It is largely the contradictions of modern society that concern Chanarin and take her work beyond that of the amusing novelty and into the realm of serious, challenging and thought provoking art. Chanarin says that her work is concerned mainly with mankind’s ‘complex urban environment and the animals that have adapted to it’.
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The recent gymnast works deal with issues that involve the pressures on pre-pubescent teenagers to perform as athletes and the effects of something so physically and mentally demanding on these young adults. The faceless figures are captured in a moment of ‘still’, almost as though they are reflecting on what they’re doing and perhaps why they’re doing it. The chosen poses appear very simple, however they’re the result of years of hard work and practice. The rosettes, although made prior to the gymnasts, tie in nicely, representing reward. Inspired by the ribbon paraphernalia and flower garlands of pagan mayday celebrations, the rosettes are made by mixing tissue paper into the porcelain slip which then burns out during the firing process. Textured with the surface of fabric and beading, the rosettes are an amulet or charm for the home, fragile and precious allied with your best china in the kitchen dresser.
Jacqui Chanarin achieved a first class degree in 3-D Design at Brighton University and an MA in Ceramics and Glass from the Royal College of Art, London. She has undertaken several teaching posts at every level from under graduate to primary school and has exhibited extensively around London.