GEORGINA COBURN finds a fascination with form at the heart of Linda Paterson’s work

LINDA PATERSON’S solo show at Elgin Library Gallery is a mixed exhibition both in terms of media and technique. Whilst this is a show that celebrates the natural qualities of wood and clay, taking their form predominantly from the female body, what interested me most was the artist’s exploration of form.

There are many striking pieces that on their own would have made a much stronger show. Perhaps pressure to fill the space meant inclusion of weaker pieces, especially life drawings in pastel and charcoal which do not convey the same understanding of form and technique as the other sculptures, ink drawings and still life charcoals included in the exhibition.

“Breast” (Sculpture, Ash wood) and “Reposing figure” (Yew wood) are both great examples of using grain and burrs in wood to naturally suggest the figure and accentuate the beauty of the original material.

“Still life with cone and sphere” (Charcoal on paper) reveals a clear understanding of spatial and tonal relationships, and the Matisse-like “Woman with her arm behind her” is a superb example of what can be achieved simply using a single line of ink on paper.

Paterson’s strength is in not being too literal. The works that are strongest are beautifully crafted form, stripped down to simplicity of line and tone in the drawings or pure form in sculpture, conveying some of the timelessness of ancient figures.

“Belly” (Charcoal on paper) or “Woman” (Sculpture, Elm wood) reminded me very much of Paleolithic figures such as the “Venus of Willendorf”. Both pieces allude to the monumentality of the goddess and earth mother in the way the female torso is represented.

They are not about an individual body or personality but a more collective and universal depiction of the feminine. In many of her drawings and sculptures Paterson isolates a particular part of the body focusing on the expressive quality of form.

Seeing the artist explore form, especially through sculpture is the most rewarding aspect of the exhibition.

“Pod” (Sculpture, clay) sits intriguingly adjacent to a copy of an ancient clay tripod vessel from Panama. This juxtaposition is interesting as there is an earthly sense of respect that permeates many of the pieces in the exhibition.

In contrast to the organic nature of this piece, “Figure” ( Ponderossa Pine) has an almost assemblage like quality to it, and is more geometric in style, fashioned in layers of wood.

The exhibition is open Monday to Friday 10am -8pm, and Saturday 10am to 4pm.

© Georgina Coburn, 2007

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• Linda Paterson