Simon Bayliss: We-Ha-Neck! (a harvest supper)

About

The exhibition presents a new body of ceramics by St Ives-based artist Simon Bayliss, which explores the idea of an intimate harvest celebration, with ceramic stools, plates and jugs staged around a triangular table.  At the core of the installation is Bayliss’ take on the traditional harvest jug – a type of jug made in North Devon for serving drinks during rural celebrations. Originally trained as a painter, Bayliss still looks to contemporary painting for ideas and inspiration, and using coloured slips to decorate pots is a way for the artist to continue exploring his painterly sensibilities.

As well as crafting pots, Bayliss has a long history of making rave music. The dance track accompanying the ceramic installation uses found samples from ‘Crying the Neck’ festivities, which have traditionally taken place at harvest time around Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. As the last clump of wheat is cut and held in the air, the gathered crowd shout “What-ave-ee?”, and the harvester replies “A neck! A neck! A neck!”