We are all bound to the earth, often barefoot and occasionally brilliant.  Considering this, it is only natural to be curious about these two exhibitions at the Moores Building.

Upstairs, Shelsher presents a collection of odd looking earthenware people that appear at first to be identical, except for size and colour.  Visitors glance at the group of nude figures arranged on red sand and think, "they all look the same to me" which is just how many of us respond to most groups of alien people.  But if you take the time to really look you will see they are not all the same.  Each is an individual, a shapeless female form with a small bald head tilted upwards, thin arms ending in largish hands and thick legs growing into very big feet.  Some figures are washed with white slip but most are terra cotta.

Each figure is modelled separately making it unique and the differences between them are subtle, the longer you look the more obvious they become.  There are minimal alterations to eyes and mouths so expression is defined by the position of arms and tilt of the torso.  Arms may be crossed, clasped behind the back or left to dangle by the side while the figures either stand up straight, bend forward or lean to one side.  The overlarge feet provide a stabilizing pedestal.

After circling the group I began to pick out attitudes and moods, Confusion, wistfulness, innocence, guilt, thoughtfulness were identified or perhaps they were all just looking up to see if it might rain.  However you interpret these wonderfully strange aliens you have to admit they are friendly.

Downstairs, Thedens exhibits amazing furniture made form old timber.  There is no doubt he has the skill to transform tree trunks into unique functional pieces with fine finishes.  But this type of domestic furnishing is an acquired taste, one I have yet to develop.  However, many visitors did appear to delight in the large pieces and were inclined to run their hands over the smooth surfaces.  I found the wall hangings more interesting.  Outlines of flowers and leaves, drawn with painted wire, sprout from pieces of wood or jagged strips of iron.  Simple, delicate and yet very strong they are 3D linear sketches.

As  for earthbound, barefoot and brilliant; Shelsher's aliens have arrived on earth and will find it hard to lift those big feet off terra firma, some of Thedens' works include candles, and the artist wore no shoes.  That'll do.