When I popped in to Eric Metcalfe’s little studio at the Western Front to drop off plates I was confronted with some great art work. On his table rested a huge porcelain jar, made in JingdeZhen and painted collaboratively by Paul Mathieu and Eric himself. What a super combination of their two, very compatible ways of painting on clay. The two men meet for tea every Friday and discuss the world of Ceramics and Art. 

I also noticed a very interesting vase form ‘The Kiss’ which Paul has had fabricated in China. With bright red lips and then traditional Oriental blue and white design on the exterior and colourful transfer patterns inside, it’s a thought-provoking and amusing piece. I gather Eric and Paul have been trading artwork, lucky them! Notice Eric’s fine gouache painting in the background of the jar photo.

Downstairs, in my tour of the Luxe Hall to preview the Gala Auction donations, I noticed that Paul has donated a similar Kiss vase with its custom-made, fabric-clad wooden box. The Gala Dinner and Art Auction is this evening and I’m sure it’ll be a jolly event and patrons will leave happy with their art purchases in aid of the Western Front. The auctioneer, and Eric’s fellow WF resident, Hank Bull is scheduled to become a ‘Raider’ within the month, along with his artist wife Carey Schaefer.

In no particular order, here are some snaps of the donated art being set up in the Luxe Hall.

For more information on the auction click on this link.

https://westernfrontauction2017.tumblr.com