Studio

 The motivation for my ceramic studio practice for the Graduate Exhibition in June 2013, is inspired by the translucent qualities and purity of the Honesty Plant.

My practice is usually based on the themes of domesticity and feminity with a focus on natural forms and textures. 

I hope for the viewer to become engaged with my work both physically and metaphorically.

 I am drawn to work that creates a sense of intrigue and curiosity from the viewer, whilst still achieving a sense of fragility and beauty.  I want to create a sense of emotion and desire with my degree show.

                                                        The Honesty Plant 

“There is nothing more beautiful than the truth”

The Honesty plant has circular white petals hanging from delicate branches. The plant is really naked. What you see is what you get.. There is nothing hidden from view.

The pods have a beautiful translucent quality about them that I find intriguing and would like to incorporate this in my studio work.

                                               

I am inspired by the work of Margret O’ Rorke who uses light and porcelain to create her sculptural ceramic forms. Liz Hoggard describes her as, “An artist who talks with her hands”. Her techniques in her practice varies from throwing to hand building and using molds. 

Her book 'Clay, Light and Water' has been thoroughly inspiring and informative during this research stage of my studio practice.

                                                                           

“I love the translucency of fine, high fired porcelain”. Margret O’Rorke

Light bounces off most pottery forms but she wanted her pots to emit light.

“A glazed ceramic vessel will reflect the light whereas a matt surface diffuses it. A translucent light surface transmits light and can change both the atmosphere it inhabits ad change the way we feel’. `(O Rorke)         

Recognising, considering and understanding this concept will be the basic consideration form me as a ceramicist using artificial light within my work.

“Light is necessary to view things”.  I am charmed by light, as I perceive it through Art and many things. I want people to feel a sense of emotion when they see my work.

Research and Development: I plan on recording and developing my concepts and working ideas using notebooks and would like to experiment with film.

 I predict some of my ideas from the notebook stage will grow and evolve as I become focused working with the clay medium. I look forward to playing with the material and become more familiar with the medium while attempting to push its boundaries. I am eager to see how the process will inform the work.

  Clay is a vehicle through which I can communicate feelings. It is direct, honest and exciting. I enjoy clays natural responsive movement in my hand, and knowing it will, when high fire will become translucent and transformed.