Welcome to Open Studios ...
I’m super excited that this Saturday, Surrey Artists Open Studios begins! (Postponed from June of course!) I am taking part in Reigate...
ABOUT...
The exterior of my pieces have a sense of fragility, delicacy and being only temporary. Ripples, fingerprints, kneaded clay – the marks of the making process – also remain intentionally visible on the exterior. I find the Bible deeply inspiring as it speaks of God being our maker: we are the clay – He is the potter. We have the maker’s imprint on us.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us… Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
– The Bible 2 Cor 4:7;16
Each piece relates to this personal experience and for some of the larger vessels I even use the human form.
Every vessel I make is intended to draw your gaze to the interior. Here you will see the bright refreshing tones of clean, renewing water – an echo of the cleansing and washing that Jesus brings into a person’s life by His sacrifice for us.
…whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.
– The Bible John 4:14
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SOME OF THE STORY SO FAR...
GOLDSMITHS’ COLLEGE TO A STUDIO:
I work with clay as I enjoy its malleability, the imprints and marks that it accepts in the making process and the way in which glazes evolve and flow during firing.
I studied Ceramics and Textiles BA (Hons.) at Goldsmiths’ College, London. Patterns and textures play a significant role in my work which is why I was drawn to this combined course. I set up my studio in the early nineties and worked making vessels and sculptures.
A DECADE IN THE BALKANS
In 1996, I moved to the Balkans with my husband to work with humanitarian aid. The texture of the old houses in Serbia inspired me. The worn, weathered and layered surfaces are full of character. I love peeling paint revealing previously concealed ageing layers beneath the facade.
We were in the Balkans following the civil war to work with refugees and establish a Bible College where students studied and put faith into action by serving their local communities.
Amidst the horror of some of what I saw, I was moved by an increased awareness of the fragility of life and the fleeting nature of material possessions. Whilst textures, patterns and experiences all play their part as influences on my work, the work is essentially focused on fragile lives and our relationship to our creator.
CHRONOLOGY
2006-2011 – Studio in Chaldon, Surrey
1996-2006 – Humanitarian aid work in the Balkans – exhibitions, TV and other media appearances, teaching art classes for adults.
1993-1996 – Studio Artist specialising in ceramic sculpture – selling in the UK and the USA.
1990-1993 – Bachelor of Arts, Goldsmiths’ College, London University – Ceramics and Textiles
1989-1990 – Foundation Course, Eastbourne College of Art