WAKEFIELD.- Raucous Invention: The Joy of Making is an ambitious, vibrant, and creative journey where Hearld explores connections through collaboration and risk taking to create bold and challenging works. With several special collaborations planned, it is a celebration of the joy and inspiration that comes from working with like-minded makers and organisations.

Working from his studio in York, across a range of media and using the natural world as inspiration, Hearld is creating a brand new body of work for this exhibition including collages, lino cut prints, letter press prints and a large-scale mural. The mural comprises of a series of large individual collages, each sitting as a solo piece, but when placed together create an incredible work that fill the walls of the YSP Kitchen at the Visitor Centre.

The exhibition includes a very special collaboration with Leach Pottery in St Ives, one of the most respected and influential potteries in the world. Hearld has been working alongside their lead potter, Roelof Uys, drawing on the historic reputation of Bernard Leach who played a crucial pioneering role in creating an identity for artist potters across the world. Leach Pottery have created a series of hand thrown platters, which Hearld has decorated using paper stencils, slips and sgraffito mark making on wet clay. He has then further decorated the surface with intricate detailing using glaze recipes from both Bernard Leach and studio potter Svend Bayer. This collaboration will culminate in a small number of exclusive, unique platters that will be available to purchase from YSP Shop during the exhibition both in person and online.

An exclusive, limited-edition range of artworks is being made for this show including a collection of stunning woven jacquard tapestry wall hangings, each featuring the iconic work of Hearld. A bespoke ceramic edition of tankards, decorated by the artist and created in collaboration with the Potteries at Stoke-on-Trent, will be available to purchase.

Letter press prints also feature, created with long-time collaborator Tilley Printing, who are also producing a special exhibition print. A book is being published to coincide with the exhibition, documenting Hearld’s creative journey through to 2021, including the process and collaborative approach he is going through to produce this new body of work for YSP. This is a collaboration between Hearld and St Jude’s.

Born in 1974 and based in York, Hearld studied illustration at Glasgow College of Art before completing an MA in natural history illustration at the Royal College of Art. His work is based on his observations of the natural world, influenced by mid 20th century Neo-Romanticism and the gaiety of 1930s Modernism. He is inspired by British artists such as Eric Ravilious, John Piper and Edward Bawden. Hearld’s work is now exhibited all over the UK and commissions include set design for 2005 film Nanny McPhee and a range of ceramics for Tate. Taking his inspiration from the flora and fauna of the British countryside, Mark works across a number of mediums, producing limited edition lithographic and linocut prints, one-off original paintings, collages and hand-painted ceramics. Hearld’s most recent commissions include original artworks for Sarah Burton, Creative Director of Alexander McQueen, fashion fabric designs for Caramel luxury womens and childrenswear brand, and ten large original artworks for Charlie Bigham’s HQ.