seasons collection
This collection explores aspects of the different seasons through the medium of ceramics. It initially developed from my work with Melting Snow and my interest in Heritage Pottery and, of course, my general fascination with landscapes. I've especially enjoyed developing this collection and it's a development that I feel will continue over the years; I tend to work with one of the seasons for a while, then move to another one and, as this nears completion, a conversation and interplay then develops with the other seasons - thus presenting new possibilities for them.Spring Fields
Spring is currently explored through a green and opaque palette and the notion of fields - especially the freshly-ploughed variety with deep furrows as I've often seen about me in Penistone. Boxes are the main form of this range as they provide a sculptural surface and containment of space. I feel that the idea of 'containment' carries interesting metaphors related to Spring. These boxes are hand-carved over several days from a solid block of clay - the Japanese refer to this technique as 'cabinet making' due to its similarities with carpentry processes.
Summer Woods
This range began with strong greens based on traditional forms like chawans - indeed, I still make some of these. However, I feel that Summer will develop more through flat open forms - especially as I'm interested in the intensely rich greens and how a flat open surface allows a greater exploration of this. The oblong plate has been wire-cut from a block of clay and then dried with supports to achieve the shape. Incidentally, the clay body also embodies notions of landscape as I've added river sand to it. The importance of this is that when the wire passes through the clay, it's deflected by the larger particles creating an organic and self-generating rippled surface which is then explored and enhanced by the rich glaze.
Autumn Splash
This range has a richer earthy hue to it, reminding me of the time of year when some plants and organisms are in retreat and others are still trying to make the best of the closing season. The glazing is looser and sporadic, adding to the feeling of the nonchalance of Autumn. I'm currently in the process of adding more range to the colours in this collection, being especially interested in widening out the reds in the slip areas and adding yellows and oranges to the glaze surface.
Frosty Fields & Frozen Landscapes
The glazes of Winter are perhaps the softest and most subtle of all the collection. Winter is interesting in that it suggests dormancy, although there's always some activity whether it's the freezing and thawing of the land, the cycle of the deposition and the recession of snow, or the stubborn existence of the last clumps of greenery. The Frosty Fields pieces are characterised by gentle forms and soft lines while the Frozen Landscapes have more abrupt and severe surfaces that have been forced outwards, making each piece completely unique.
