Listen in at Roche Court

This conversation between artist Jacob van der Beugel and students from Andover College, ruminates on the language of ceramics, and how his practice has incorporated unexpected materials such as concrete, to communicate new meanings. This diverse discussion addresses topics such as the potential of partnerships between art and science; and explores the ideas presented in his work, including his interest in genetics and DNA, the relationship between determinism and self-determination, and in w...

Students from Salisbury Sixth Form College explore a diverse range of subjects in this conversation with Charlotte Verity. These include the exactitude of oil painting, the importance of observation, and issues inherent in her work such as memory and the passing of time. ‘Charlotte Verity’s practice is ultimately concerned with mapping the ephemerality of her immediate surroundings. The way nature fluctuates, the seasons, the weather, the light – the life cycle of the plant life around us. As...

This conversation between ceramic artist Fernando Casasempere and students from Andover College, ruminates on the nature of ceramics, addressing its properties as a ‘living material’. It also tackles subjects such as climate change, the power of taking risks in art and the importance of sharing food and conversation! 'After studying both ceramics and sculpture in Barcelona, Casasempere returned to his birthplace, Santiago, where he consolidated his studies by working as a ceramics sculp...

Join us ‘in conversation’ with Alison Wilding OBE and A Level art students from Hardenhuish School and St Mary's Calne in Wiltshire, discussing topics including the artist’s use of conflicting materials; connections to myth and ancient artefacts in her work; the influence of artists such as Rachel Whiteread and Barbara Hepworth; and the sustaining power of the creative process. ‘Wilding was born in Blackburn, Lancashire. She studied at Ravensbourne College of Art and, from 1970 to 1973, at ...

Join us ‘in conversation’ with Michael Craig-Martin and A Level art students from South Wilts Grammar School in Salisbury discussing topics such as the artist’s approach towards colour, the importance of creativity in any profession and Craig-Martin's journey towards becoming an internationally-renowned artist. Craig-Martin is best known for his vibrant representation of everyday objects that celebrate the ordinary and everyday. The artist was awarded a CBE in 2000, was an elected Roy...

Join us ‘in conversation’ with Nao Matsunaga and A Level Art students from Wellington Academy, discussing how materials can transcend dual identities, Matsunaga’s ways of working through ‘artist’s block’, finding the end point and much more. Matsunaga’s experimental work, which he creates with clay, wood and paper, goes beyond the everyday object into the realm of the unusual and extraordinary. The artist often references the natural world in his sculpture and how humans have engaged with it,...

Join us ‘in conversation’ with Laura Ford and GCSE Art students from Pewsey Vale school, discussing topics including the impact of childhood upon Ford’s career, her experience as a woman artist, and in particular, her intriguing sculpture ‘Espaliered Girl’ previously on display at Roche Court Sculpture Park. Ford’s work often combines a sense of playfulness, suggested by her representation of children and fantasy, with uncomfortable and unnerving undertones. Her child-like sculptures are hybr...

Join us ‘in conversation’ with Bill Woodrow and A Level art students from Woodroffe School, discussing the artist’s practice and his disparate, yet harmonious sculpture ‘Endeavour’ on display at the entrance of Roche Court Sculpture Park. From afar, Endeavour resembles the black silhouette of a war weapon set against a patchwork quilt of expansive fields. The sculpture faces away from Roche, poised ready to launch explosives over the roaming cows. Its placement at the entrance of the park, ne...

Join us ‘in conversation’ with Nika Neelova, Thalia Allington-Wood and Thomas Marks following the New Art Centre's recent exhibition ‘One of Many Fragments’ (11 September-20 November 2021) featuring work by Neelova and Thalia’s father, Ed Allington. The New Art Centre’s exhibition, ‘One of Many Fragments’, was shown in two halves. Allington’s work was presented in the main gallery, while Neelova’s sculpture was displayed in the adjoining 19th century orangery. This juxtaposition e...

Join us ‘in conversation’ with Fred Baier, following his recent exhibition ‘Form Swallows Function’ at the New Art Centre (Jan – May 2021). Featuring conversation with Timothy Revell from the Articulation initiative and A Level students from Dauntsey’s School. 'Form Swallows Function' presented Baier as a ‘furniture artist' (a term the artist has used himself) and explored the relationships between geometry and function, making and concept. The artist was amongst the first furniture de...

Join us ‘in conversation’ with Jacqueline Ponclelet and David Ward, discussing Poncelet's recent exhibition 'Now and Then' at the New Art Centre (21 Sept 2020 - 9th Jan 2021) and addressing topics as diverse as tattoos, taste, self-censorship and cultural identity. This exhibition spanned 35 years of Poncelet's practice across disciplines, in work that often defies categorization. She was a major figure on the international ceramics scene in the 1970s and 80s, and in the 90s...

Join us ‘in conversation’ with David Murphy, one of the exhibiting artists at the New Art Centre and in the recent 'Common Thread' Exhibition (01 Jun – 29 Aug 2020). 'Common Thread' brought together a group of artists whose works all focused on the history of textile technology and design, revealing the place that textiles have in art and in contemporary society. In this episode, we explore the ideas behind David Murphy’s work, including concepts of the micro/macro and how 'the textile lan...