Clive Bowen
Encyclopedia
Clive Bowen is described "as a gestural decorator, even something of an
action painter, applying a fluid spontaneity and broad hand to his trailing, pouring and combing.
Seeing his pots in groups - runs of splendid jugs, bowls, platters and press-moulded dishes -
reveals Bowen's ability to explore within the parameters of his signature forms." (David Whiting)
Bowen studied painting and etching at Cardiff College of Art
from 1960-64. He then became the
apprentice of Michael Leach, at Yelland Pottery where he came to love the rich Fremington clay
and earthernware of Fishley. A further year at Brannam Pottery
in Barnstable allowed him to
develop his throwing skills and to gain the ability to make large pots. Residing in North Devon
allowed Bowen the opportunity to help fire pots at Wenford Bridge with Michael Cardew
and to
meet Svend Bayer
who became a life-long friend.
In 1971 Bowen purchased a small agricultural property at Shebbear in North Devon and established his pottery with large double-chambered woodfiring kilns.
Bowen still uses local Fremington clay and is internationally known and respected for his
powerful yet intimate pieces.
Bowen exhibits widely in the UK throughout Europe, North America and Japan.
action painter, applying a fluid spontaneity and broad hand to his trailing, pouring and combing.
Seeing his pots in groups - runs of splendid jugs, bowls, platters and press-moulded dishes -
reveals Bowen's ability to explore within the parameters of his signature forms." (David Whiting)
Bowen studied painting and etching at Cardiff College of Art
Cardiff School of Art & Design
Cardiff School of Art & Design is one of the five schools that comprise Cardiff Metropolitan University .-About CSAD:...
from 1960-64. He then became the
apprentice of Michael Leach, at Yelland Pottery where he came to love the rich Fremington clay
and earthernware of Fishley. A further year at Brannam Pottery
Brannam Pottery
Brannam Pottery was a British studio pottery firm started by Thomas Backway Brannam in Barnstaple in 1848.Thomas Brannam took over the lease of an existing pottery at North Walk, and another in Litchdon Street Barnstaple. Like other pottery firms of the time the firm originally made utilitarian...
in Barnstable allowed him to
develop his throwing skills and to gain the ability to make large pots. Residing in North Devon
allowed Bowen the opportunity to help fire pots at Wenford Bridge with Michael Cardew
Michael Cardew
Michael Cardew, OBE, was an English studio potter who worked in West Africa for twenty years.Cardew was the fourth child of Arthur Cardew, a civil servant, and Alexandra Kitchin, the eldest daughter of G.W.Kitchin, the first Chancellor of Durham University...
and to
meet Svend Bayer
Svend Bayer
Svend Bayer is a studio potter described by Michael Cardew as "easily my best pupil."Bayer studied at University of Exeter from 1965 to 1968 and began work at Wenford Bridge Pottery with Michael Cardew in 1969.In 1972 he joined the Brannam Pottery in Barnstaple, where he worked as a thrower for a...
who became a life-long friend.
In 1971 Bowen purchased a small agricultural property at Shebbear in North Devon and established his pottery with large double-chambered woodfiring kilns.
Bowen still uses local Fremington clay and is internationally known and respected for his
powerful yet intimate pieces.
Bowen exhibits widely in the UK throughout Europe, North America and Japan.