Simon Carroll English, 1964-2009

 'Born in 1964, Simon Carroll has become well known for his exuberant, often challenging ceramic vessels.  Uniquely expressive, his pots deconstruct the history of ceramics, particularly 19th century English slipware, whilst drawing inspiration from an eclectic range of sources, including Elizabethan ruffles, sombreros,  Cornish wind-farms and his own experience of working on the land. Intuitively constructed, the pots take on a vitality of their own, breaking all conventions of the finished work; walls crack, bases list, classic lines are pummeled, references deliberately clash, surfaces are inconsistent.  Carroll is a potter whose work is equally informed by his painting and printmaking as well as his large-scale raked beach drawings.  The resulting forms with their areas which are richly painted or dripped with slips and glazes, are energetic and engaging, with a surreal wit which challenges the boundaries of ceramics and sculpture.  Although still relatively unknown, Carroll has exhibited internationally and is a Visiting Lecturer at the Royal Collecge of Art.  He is represented in both the V&A and Crafts Council Collections.'
Emmanuel Cooper, 2005