Mary Kaun English
Individual & Ethical Ceramics
Mary works from her studio in rural West Cornwall where she lives with with her partner Martyn Perryman a landscape oil painter and their two dogs.
The subject of Mary's work concerns the appreciation of the natural world - and the respect it deserves
Artist Information
Mary was born and raised in Southern California, where her passion for the natural world and all things tactile began from an early age. Living in the then undeveloped San Rafael foothills, she explored the distinctive landscape, being ever conscience of the natural spirit and organic materials surrounding her.
Originally studying Architecture in Los Angeles Mary obtained a BA (Hons) in the Practice and Theory in Fine Art and Design, from Wimbledon Art College while studying ceramics at the Putney Art School.
The work - Pit Fired Ceramics
For Mary the ancient method of Pit Firing connects with the physicality of ceramics with the ephemerality of Life.
Thrown on a wheel and then altered the work is fired in a controlled reduction fire in an earthen pit.
When fired in this way the work is exposed to smoke which creates an organic patenation reminiscent of the most dramatic Cornish landscape.
Selected Group Exhibitions
Penlea Galleries, Penzance, Winter 2019
Delamore Arts, Devon, Spring 2019
25 Southside, Plymouth, Autumn 2018
Obsidian Arts, Summer 2018
Delamore Arts, Devon, Spring 2018
Albany Gallery, Cardiff, 2017-18
Joie Devivre, Surrey 2017-18
A2 Gallery, Somerset 2017-18
Cotehele Gallery, Saltash 2017
Yvonne Arnaud Art, Guildford, 2017
Delamore Arts, Devon, Spring 2017
AppArt, Surrey 2017
H.Forman & Son Gallery, 'The Sea, the sea', January 2017
Delamore Arts, Devon Spring 2016
VK gallery, Coastal Exhibition, Cambridge, May 2016
David Smith Contemporary Art, Coastal Elements, Summer 2015
Full List Available on request
Awards
March Heritage Crafts Trainer of the Year 2015
National Trust First Open Call 2015
Radio:
BBC Cornwall, September 2014, 2017, 2018 & 2019
Coast Radio, August & November 2017
BBC Surrey 2014
Publications:
St Ives Times & Echo, Sept 2019
Cornwall Today, Sept 2018
The Cornishman, Sept 2018
St Ives Times & Echo, Sept 2018
Cornwall Life, August 2018
St Ives Times & Echo, August 7th & 21st 2018
The Packet, August 2018
Times & Echo Hayle, Dec 2016 & Jan 2017
Ceramics Technical Magazine No 41, 2015
Coast Magazine, September 2015
The Cornishman, September 2015
St Ives Times & Echo, Sept 2015
Ceramic Review, Spring 2015
Cornwall Life, September 2014
Book Inclusion - Pit Firing: Ancient Techniques, Modern Methods
by Dawn Whitehead, Schiffer Publishing PA
Full list available on request.
Permanent Galleries
- Art Space Gallery, St Ives, Cornwall - Permanent Member
- Cornwall Craft Association - Permanent Member
- Penwith Gallery, St Ives, Cornwall - Permanent Member