Memory and Process

The investigation of my project is based around my childhood travels and interests. My work explores my pursuit in the medium of clay and learning of different ceramic processes. My first experience of clay was at a family friends back garden workshop in Yorkshire when I was around six years old. I was drawn to the different transformation that clay goes through from its raw state to the final glaze firing. Growing up in London I spent many school holidays visiting museums. The V&A was my favourite, in which I found myself drawn to beautiful things and curious as to how they were made.

Within my work a lot of focus is on the creative process, learning new skills and techniques, which are endless within the ceramic medium. Half my family live in Western Australia and I spent summer holidays there as a child, as well as in 2018 for 3 months in-between my studies. The dramatic landscape and colours I experienced on these trips are ingrained into my memories from all those years ago. The photograph shown above was taken when my family and I were flying north of Perth over the outback and I remember the views from the plane so clearly.

Over my time working with clay I have become obsessed with the idea of throwing ‘perfectly’, which took away my initial enjoyment of the process. There is a contrast in themes in my work; the thoughts of throwing being a form of escapism and a wellbeing activity against my self-criticism and quest for perfection and fear of constantly making mistakes. For this body of work I used slip casting and mould making, which I feel has given me more freedom to explore colour and pattern and taking away the pressure of ‘perfection’. The patterns of the landscape and the sheer vastness of the Australian coast guided my exploration of decorative techniques within slip casting. I was gifted a Martine Perret photography book by my Australian Grandmother that really showcases the beauty and painterly scenery of a place that has played an important part in my childhood.

My work combines humble forms with colourful, playful and spontaneous decoration. The use of colour in my work creates an element of surprise; collage like patterns reminiscent of the vast Australian landscape in which the decorative aspect of my work is simulating. I enjoy the visual contrast of simple forms with vibrant colours and patterns. The pieces I am producing now are joyful to me, maybe since I have moved on from throwing I am more relaxed. Making is about enjoyment for me and these pieces showcase the happiness I find within the creative process.