Since the Autumn we have suspended normal production of functional pots and been mainly working on “cylindrical forms“.
Collaboration
During the project James has taken on a greater (equal) creative role. It hasn’t been a smooth path for him. Drawing has proved key in helping him to find a way in (a couple are posted on our blog). I’ve found his input very invigorating and we’ve both enjoyed the freedom to nick and develop each others’ ideas— something which is normally taboo between artists!
This piece is called “lunar group” and is our entry for Welsh Artist of the Year 2013. The cylinder on the far right was made from four cylinders of different greys which were carefully cut then joined; the one on the far left has the effect of a “soft” horizon as there is a very thin mid grey between the two larger areas. James’ technical precision has been invaluable in allowing us to realise creative ideas with coloured clay.
Colour
As we’d hoped, colour has been playing an important part in the new cylinders. We have developed a technique of dipping into watery solutions of colour which give a “bloom” or “veil” to the surface, as seen on the cylinder on the left (“ferrero rocher”). We have also been enjoying creating impressions of depth and luminosity as seen above, centre (“finger print”) and above, right (“red label”).
We will be entering these three for the British Ceramics Biennial 2013.
The cylinders pictured in this newsletter are some of my favourites. You can see more of the recent cylindrical forms on a new page of our website…
Developments to our website
In January we started a blog. We hope it gives another visual dimension to the website and a window on to our aesthetic.
We will shortly be adding selling pages to our website. We will hold a micro range of functional work in stock, available to purchase at the click of a button. Another page will allow you to choose from a bigger range of shapes and glazes and commission pieces to be made to order.
Homes and Gardens Design Awards 2013
We have been short-listed in the Ceramics and Glass category. The winner will be announced on March 6th at the British Museum in London. See who the other candidates are and find more details…
If you have any comments or questions please feel free to get in touch with us via our contact form
Tilla, February 2013