The University of Liverpool’s Victoria Gallery and Museum (VGM) presents Louise Waller – 20 Years of Clay, a free installation celebrating this Liverpool-based artist’s two decades as a ceramicist.
On from Saturday 24 June 2023 until the end of the year, the free display presents more than 20 newly made ceramic pieces. The exhibition celebrates the artist’s career so far by displaying work inspired by the designs Louise first created in 2003 when she first studied ceramics.
Louise said: “Since graduating in 2003 my skills have grown and I am now able to realise the more ambitious designs I wouldn’t have been able to make back then. When approaching this exhibition, I looked back at old sketch books and used them as a springboard for inspiration. I’m honoured to be given this opportunity to display my work at the Victoria Gallery & Museum and reflect on my career so far.”
Louise’s exhibition of work includes vases, jugs and ‘household’ items that Louise has made to explore the relationship between decorative art, and functional objects. Louise’s practice is inspired by artists including Antony Gormley, and Richard Wentworth as well as movements including minimalism and art deco. Significantly her work highlights the process of making, and her pieces draw attention to the naturally occurring ‘faults’ that happen during the firing process with Louise exaggerating these imperfections.
Louise Waller – 20 Years of Clay is part of Independents Biennial 2023, a festival of contemporary art from Liverpool, Wirral, St Helens, Knowsley and Sefton. On from 10 June – 17 September, the festival showcases local artists at venues across the Liverpool City Region.
Nicola Euston, Head of Museums and Galleries at the University of Liverpool, said: “Louise is an established, popular and respected figure in the cultural landscape of Liverpool and we’re delighted to present her work.
“At the Victoria Gallery and Museum, we are dedicated to complementing our own historic collection with displays of modern and contemporary pieces – Louise’s work does this beautifully. I’m sure fans of Louise will be delighted by this display and I’m proud we can present her work to new audiences too.”
More about Louise Waller
Louise grew up in Sheffield in the 1980s and graduated from Liverpool Hope University in 2003 with a BA (Hons) in 3D Design and continued to develop her creative practice by taking an MA in Ceramics 2005 -7.
Like many artists, Louise juggles her own creative practice with employment in related fields.
Alongside working at Tate Liverpool for 18 years, Louise has been a Creative Apprentice Assessor, invited behind the scenes of museums, galleries, theatres and a whole array of creative workplaces across the North West. She’s also taught ceramics, art, graphics and computer games design.
Most recently, Louise collaborated with the community of Prescot, Knowsley on a prestigious project to create almost 400 ceramic moneyboxes that are on permanent display in the box office of the new Shakespeare North Playhouse.
Louise is a Studio Member of Baltic Clay. She retails her work in independent shops and markets and also creates commissions, most notably she has created the tableware for Liverpool bistro, Belzan. See Louise’s current work on her Instagram page.