Lara Scobie Unveils “Dynamic New Vessels” Collection at Porthminster Gallery

Edinburgh-based ceramicist Lara Scobie is set to captivate art enthusiasts with her latest exhibition, “Dynamic New Vessels,” opening at the prestigious Porthminster Gallery in St Ives on August 30, 2025. The showcase will feature a striking new collection of sgraffito-decorated slipcast porcelain vessels, highlighting Scobie’s masterful exploration of form and pattern.

A Master of Form and Pattern

Lara Scobie, a highly regarded artist with a distinguished career, is known for her meticulous approach to ceramic artistry. Her work predominantly focuses on the dynamic interplay between form and pattern, achieved through the cohesive integration of drawing, surface mark-making, and volume. A graduate of Camberwell College of Art and Edinburgh College of Art, Scobie has honed her craft over decades, including over 20 years of teaching ceramics and design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art. Her artistic journey has garnered international recognition, marked by numerous exhibitions and prestigious awards, including the Premier Winner of The Fletcher Challenge and an Honourable Mention at Mino Ceramics, Japan. Scobie is also a fellow of the Craft Potters Association of Great Britain and a professional member of Contemporary Applied Arts, London.

The Art of Sgraffito and Slipcasting

The “Dynamic New Vessels” collection exemplifies Scobie’s signature techniques. She works with individual slip-cast vessels, primarily in porcelain and Parian clay. The term ‘parian’ itself evokes the exquisite white marble of ancient Greece, hinting at the refined aesthetic of her chosen material. Scobie’s forms are typically constructed from soft slabs of clay, featuring delicate rims and distinctive off-center ellipses. These ellipses not only define the vessel’s shape but also echo her line drawings and painted surfaces. The sgraffito technique, an Italian term meaning “to scratch,” is central to her decorative process. It involves applying layers of colored slip or underglaze to the leather-hard clay and then carefully incising through these layers to reveal contrasting colors or the clay body beneath. This method allows for precise, graphic lines and intricate patterns, a hallmark of Scobie’s distinctive style. Her approach emphasizes the immediacy of hand-drawn marks, marrying spontaneity with exquisite craftsmanship.

Porthminster Gallery: A Hub for Contemporary Art

The Porthminster Gallery, located in the artistic heart of St Ives, Cornwall, is renowned for its curated exhibitions of both emerging and established British artists. With a history of showcasing high-quality contemporary and modern art, including paintings, sculpture, and ceramics, the gallery provides a fitting platform for Scobie’s new works. The “Dynamic New Vessels” exhibition will run alongside other notable showcases at the gallery, further enriching the local arts scene and contributing to the vibrant culture of the region.

Cultural Significance and Artistic Expression

Ceramics have long been a powerful medium for artistic expression and cultural preservation, reflecting societal values and historical narratives. Lara Scobie’s work contributes to this rich tradition, transforming functional vessels into compelling statements of artistic intent. Her focus on the dialogue between form, surface, and intricate pattern resonates with the enduring appeal of handcrafted objects that bridge the past and the present. The news of her exhibition marks a significant event for collectors and admirers of contemporary ceramics, offering a glimpse into the evolution of an acclaimed artist’s practice. While Scobie is based in Scotland, her international recognition and participation in shows like the American Craft Council Show and L.A. Art Show demonstrate the global reach and appeal of her distinctive artistic voice. Her work, celebrated for its clean lines, graphic patterns, and bold interior colors, showcases a modern interpretation of traditional ceramic techniques, appealing to a diverse audience and solidifying her place in the contemporary art landscape.

The exhibition at Porthminster Gallery promises to be a highlight of the summer season, offering a unique opportunity to experience Lara Scobie’s “Dynamic New Vessels” firsthand.