52NADFAS REVIEW / SPRING 2011www.nadfas.org.ukadding the next," she explains, "The legsand feet are the last bits to go on." Magically, the animal takes shapewithout Elaine referring to sketches orphotos. "I use my anatomical knowledgeand my memory of the character of theanimal," she says. "The challenge iscombining anatomy and the essence ofthe creature to make a piece whichrepresents its life and energy." The walls of Elaine's studio are linedwith studies of dancing hares - herfavourite subject - each one chargedwith wild, whimsical energy, and thereare shelves with clay models in varyingstages of completion. Elaine's subjectsrange from farm animals to exotic wildanimals and recently she has beenexperimenting with imaginary creaturesfrom mythology. "My interest in tacklingmythological subjects was triggered bymy love for Picasso's Minotaurlithographs," she tells me, "the way hecombines his total understanding of thehuman form with the brute strength ofthe animal - they're brilliant." There arehorse's heads too, like fragments from aGreek temple. "I'm very interested inexploring animal themes from antiquity,"adds Elaine.Like all of Elaine's sculptures, theMinotaurs are made either fromstoneware clay or porcelain and aredecorated with textures and colouredslips. "Texture plays a large part in thefinished piece," explains Elaine, "I love towork with different scraps of fabric,shells, seed heads, netting and impressthem into the clay to create the illusionof animal hair and hide. Each piece isthen fired to 1,000°C before beingcoloured with stains, oxides and glazesand fired again - this time to 1,260°C -to make the finished sculpture."Not surprisingly, eager collectors fromall around the world snap up Elaine'swork. "I am selling sculptures in theGalerie du Don in France and last year Bottom left:Peto's interest in mythologicalcreatures suchas this centaurstems from herlove of Picasso's'Minotaur'lithographs Above: Peto'sProjectWorkshopsstudio is filledwith herfavouritesubject -dancing haresProject Workshops, near Andoverin Hampshire, is a vibrant centrefor the visual arts which is hometo over a dozen artists who create aunique range of sculpture, furniture,ceramics, pottery and glass vessels. Thecentre, which has expanded to includefive new workshops, covered exhibitionspace and a brand new 4,000sq ftsculpture foundry, is one of the mostmodern and competitive in the country. Elaine Peto, a sculptor based atProject Workshops since 1996, is justone of the talented artists at work in thisunique space. You have only to seePeto's remarkable animal sculptures toappreciateher mastery of clay and herdetailed understanding of animal anatomy."I've always been fascinated by the waybody structures work," she tells me. "Even now I try to build my clayanimalsfrom the inside out, rather thanjust looking at the surface. I use thinslabs of clay and stretch them likepastry to form the ribcage, rump andneck - pushing from the inside to makethe sculpture look alive and full ofenergy." She shows me how she startsbuilding each sculpture in mid-air, deftlydraping thin sheets of clay over a ricketystructureof sticks and Coke cans. "Iallow each section to dry slightly beforeClay menagerieProject Workshops offers a unique workspace for artists specialising in various mediums. Richard Atkinson-Willes meets resident sculptor Elaine Peto, whoseintriguing animal sculptures are catching the attention of collectors worldwidePROJECT WORKSHOPSI was awarded the prize for bestexhibitor at the Terraniaceramic festivalin Spain," she reveals shyly. Closer tohome, you can visit Elaine and see herwork right here. "Project Workshops issuch a supportive environment to workin," says Elaine, "and it's great beingpart of such a talented group of artists."This year studios will be open to thepublic on 7 and 8 May, when "there willbe an amazing array of sculpture,pottery, glass, furniture and painting onshow - and you can meet all the artiststoo". One can also enjoy the beautifulcourtyard, which lies at the heart of theold workshops buildings. The Project Workshops studios areopen to the public on 7 and 8 May.There is ample parking, entry is freeand light refreshments will be availableall weekend. For more details, seewww.project-workshop.co.uk or call01264 889889.

www.nadfas.org.ukNADFAS REVIEW / SPRING 201153Affiliate membership.... give the perfect cultural gift today!MEMBERSHIP SCHEMELEAFLETS Societies willhave receivedsupplies of our Affiliateleaflets, whichinclude theapplication formfor membership.This can also be downloadedfrom ourwebsite atwww.nadfas.org.ukAPPLICATION FORMPlease complete in block capitalsPayment Details (Affiliate membership is for UK residents only)Title: ................... First Name: .................................................... Surname: ...................................................................................Address: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Postcode: ......................Phone: ........................... Email: .................................................My local Society is ..................................... (Please write out Society name in full)Please tick this box if you are happy for us to contact you via email I enclose a cheque for £10 payable to NADFAS orPlease debit my Credit/Debit Card for £10Card Type: Visa Maestro MasterCard Visa Delta Card Number:Expiry Date: Valid From: Security Code: Signed: ......................................................................................Gift Aid Declaration: Tick if YES I would like NADFAS to treat Affiliate membership subscriptions I make from the date of this declaration as Gift Aid Donationsuntil further notice (not applicable for gift option). I understandthat I must pay an amount of UK Income Tax or Capital Gains taxequal to any tax claimed.Gift Option (Please tell us who the gift is for and where to send it)Title: ................... First Name: .................................................... Surname: ...................................................................................Address: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Postcode: ......................Message: ......................................................................................................................................................................................Return completed form with payment to:The Membership Department, NADFAS, NADFAS House, 8 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1DA. REF Spring/11Passionate about Art & Heritage?Discover NADFASNational Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies www.nadfas.org.ukCredit: Red Boat, Argenteuil, 1888 (oil on canvas) by Renoir, Pierre Auguste (1841-1919)© The Barnes Foundation, Merion, Pennsylvania, USA/ The Bridgeman Art LibraryJoin a leading arts charity as an Affiliate member'This is an excellent innovation. Having been a foundercommittee member of Newick DFAS, I am currentlyhousebound caring for my husband who suffered a stroke. I am sure you will gain a number of new members as aresult of this, and keep in touch with others like me'Lucie RichardsAFFILIATE BENEFITS Affiliate membership is the perfect package for those individuals who may not havethe opportunity or the time to commit to a NADFAS Society membership but whowould still like to support NADFAS and take advantage of the many benefits weoffer. It is also ideal for individuals currently on a local Society waiting list who wouldlike to participate in NADFAS in the interim.As an Affiliate member, for just £10.00 per year you can enjoy the following:Free subscription to NADFAS Review, our quarterly arts magazine that featuresthe very best of writing and opinion on developments in the arts world, as wellas updates on national and regional NADFAS activities. Access to a nationwide programme of vibrant and thought-provoking study daysand events, as advertised in NADFAS Reviewand on our website. Participation in NADFAS volunteering activities.Specially tailored cultural tours -at home and overseas -organised by ourhand-picked NADFAS travel affiliates.Occasional ticket offers and concessions from museums and galleries across the country. Please note, Affiliate members have no automatic rights to attend individual Societylectures or events, and other appropriate charges may apply to certain activities.REVIEW£2.50THE MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETIESSPRING 2011