Eating from the Same Table

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A wonderfully intriguing and thought-provoking sculptural group by contemporary British artist Shirley Sharp, featuring six abstract stoneware figures gathered around a small wooden table.

At first glance, the scene feels wonderfully familiar – a group of people sitting together, perhaps sharing a meal, having a conversation or simply enjoying each other’s company. Five figures, finished in soft, weathered shades of pale green and grey, surround a contrasting dark figure at the head of the table. Their simplified forms and lack of facial features give the gathering an almost mysterious quality, leaving us to wonder who these characters are and what might be happening between them.

The story behind Eating from the Same Table is particularly interesting. Shirley originally created the piece in response to an exhibition called Overlooked, inspired by the area around Sharpness Canal. She was thinking about the relationship between people who drop litter and those who pick it up – two groups whose actions are closely connected, yet who may remain completely invisible to one another. By bringing them together around the same table, Shirley explores the idea that we can share the same spaces and experiences without necessarily acknowledging each other.

Interestingly, once the sculpture was completed, Shirley also recognised a resemblance to the Last Supper, opening up another possible interpretation. As with much of her work, she enjoys leaving room for viewers to bring their own stories and perspectives to what they see.

The figures themselves are beautifully tactile, with rough, irregular surfaces that reveal Shirley’s hands-on approach to working with stoneware clay. Their muted, earthy finishes contrast wonderfully with the dark central figure and the warmth of the little wooden table. We particularly love the way the figures lean towards one another, creating a sense of interaction despite their wonderfully abstract forms.

Shirley’s sculptures explore human behaviour, relationships and the curious ways we connect with one another. Often humorous, sometimes a little absurd, her work also has a lovely sense of tenderness and vulnerability. Rather than creating specific individuals, she sees her characters as representations of something we can all recognise in ourselves and others.

Eating from the Same Table is a particularly engaging example of her work. It’s a sculpture that invites you to look a little closer, consider the relationships between the figures and perhaps reflect on the people we share our own lives and communities with.

A wonderfully original and conversation-starting piece, full of character, texture and meaning.

Height: 18cm
Width: 36cm
Depth: 36cm

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