THE Pyramid Gallery's Summer Show introduces the ceramic talents of York sculptor Louise MacLeod.

After working in entomology in scientific laboratories for eight years, Louise took a break in 2001 to study for her HND in three-dimensional design at York College.

During the course, she specialised in ceramics and produced a range of smoke-fired torsos for her final-year show in 2003, since when she has added new designs to her portfolio. Now she is showing these pieces for the first time in an exhibition at Pyramid in Stonegate, York.

Louise also is exhibiting abstract vessels in porcelain, inspired by natural forms. "If there is a single unifying theme to what I make, it is my love of the tactile and fluid nature of curves," she says.

"I encourage interaction with my work. These are pieces that cry out to be handled and caressed. When the work has been held for a while, a more subconscious exploration of its form occurs, and it is to the subconscious that I hope to appeal."

The Summer Show features paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, glass and jewellery. Smoke-fired ceramic horses by Glaswegain sculptor April Young share gallery space with sculpture by Lorna Graves and Walter Awlson and work by York artists Catherine Sutcliffe-Fuller, Pamela Knight and Katie Street.

The exhibition ends on September 2.

Updated: 16:14 Thursday, July 22, 2004