Carolyn Marr is part of the core organising group for Craftsmen at the Priory and one of the most local artists contributing to the exhibition as she lives just a couple of miles away. Her ceramics are known for their form and texture and we thought you might like to meet the maker.
What do you do and how do you describe yourself?
I’m an artist working primarily in clay – from collaborative installation to individual sculptural pieces and vessels. More recently I’ve become interested in expanding my practice into other areas such as film. This is due in part, I think, to being immersed in a really interesting Art and Archaeology Masters course with the University of Highlands and Islands.
Where are you based? Location but also studio, home, workshop unit?
I live in Brampton and work from a very small home studio.
When did you start to sell your work?
I think the first thing I ever sold was around 15 years ago maybe, and I’ve been gradually building up since then. I sell through galleries and at events like Craftsmen at the Priory and the Potfests. I have just opened an online shop attached to my website too.
How has your work changed in those 15 years?
Along the way I’ve discovered a love of making small-scale, tactile sculptures or series of sculptures of varying size, while also developing and refining the shapes and surface textures on my jars and lamps. I’ve developed a couple of favourite glazes that I like the look of and that I feel sit well with the rest of the work.
What are your hopes for taking part in Craftsmen at the Priory?
It’s just so great to be exhibiting again in a real-life setting, as opposed to online. Setting up alongside my fellow artists felt really sociable and special this year. If people like my work and I make a few sales then I’ll be very happy.
If Craftsmen at the Priory resulted in a commission, what would be your ideal brief?
I don’t really do commissions, but I wouldn’t say no to an interesting collaborative project which has plenty of preparation time! This has worked well for me in the past, when I worked on Linescapes at the RSPB Geltsdale Reserve a few years ago with my sister, Frances. I also enjoyed creating a multi-media installation Experiment at the Florence Arts Centre in West Cumbria with Frances and film-maker, Lucia Tambini. An archaeology-related project would also be a great challenge!