There are so many to mention but here are my top 5…
In 2004 I went to work with Kate Malone at Balls Pond Studio in Islington, London. How was I lucky enough to do this, might you ask? Well I was at college at the time and had always been an admirer of Kate’s work. One day whilst focusing on my research I decided to send Kate an e-mail from her website. I explained that I was a student specialising in Ceramics and wondered if she would be kind enough to help me with a few questions. I remember literally sending her a long list, including questions like “Can you explain your typical way of working from a day to day basis?”… and sure enough she replied giving full lengthy answers to all of my questions, even explaining how she juggles her life in London with her other home in the South of France, taking her daughter to school etc. She asked if I would be interested in visiting her studio for the day in the summer, to help her with a large commissioned project! I felt as though Christmas had come early when she had replied to my e-mail, so you can imagine how I felt when she asked that!
When I’d arranged to go down and stay in London, Kate was working on a commission for the Children’s Library in Bristol. She had made hundreds of these big ‘sprigs’ that were going to be displayed on the wall in the library, in shapes of dice, snails, skittles, balls, sweets etc, (Can’t find any images of it online but I know there are somewhere!), and as she glazed each one she then passed them to me to wipe off any excess glaze that had dribbled onto the bottom. I was basically her slave for the day, but couldn’t have wished to be anything more! I loved every minute of it – seeing the environment she worked in, exploring her studio, having an insight into an internationally famous ceramicist’s work place and how she did things. It was very inspirational.
Kate Malone’s work is all inspired by her travels around the world. Her book ‘A Book of Pots‘ (which my copy has her signiture in!!), is absolutely fascinating and I would really reccommend reading it.
What I love about Kate’s work are the wacky glazes and quirkiness to her fruit and sea inspired pots. One of my favourites are her huge pineapple pots. One of which ‘Queen Pineapple‘ is on display at Manchester City Art Galleries.
Next up is Cathy Fleckstein, a German ceramic artist making large wall pieces with built up layers of coloured decorating slips and engraved marks on the surface. She also makes other forms with similar decoration. I love the way she builds up the texture and appearance of surface, as this is similar to the way I work.
Don’t you just love these hand-thrown jugs by Kyra Cane? Her work is often very delicate and subtle, with brushmarks fading and blurring, and inky opaque bands of colour changing to pale fresh air blues. See Kyra Cane’s forms at The Bircham Gallery, they are soothing yet so powerful!
I love the drawings Kyra creates, which influence the surfaces of her ceramics. The marks built up on paper in different materials reminds me of the process and techniques of Cathy Fleckstein’s work above. There are some great articles written on Kyra Cane’s work here, have a read!
Jim Robison is next on the list, with his amazing collection of handmade studio ceramics at Booth House Gallery, Yorkshire. I admire his large scale works and really love the way each piece is made. Individual slab pieces are created through a process which includes using an antique mangle to roll and re-roll prepared sheets of clay . This creates broken edges and areas which are stretched and stressed, generating their own feeling of history. Slips, which are painted, combed, sponge printed and stencilled provide contrasting colours and these are emphasised by applications of up to six glazes and the firing in the reduction atmosphere of a large gas kiln.
I found this interesting quote by Jim Robison about his work: “Process refers to both the act of making (what happens during the manipulation of clay, slip, and glaze always with one eye on the possible effects of firing!) and an awareness of the passage of time, Changes that occur with events of nature and history.“
Lastly let me introduce you to Ewen Henderson, who I think may be my biggest inspiration of all. My work relates to Ewen’s is many ways, such as the overall organic, rustic and natural look, the slab built process, and the form of each piece. Looking at these images has made me want to get back into the swing of hand building more sculptural vessels. I’ve always liked the fact that Ewen always pushed the boundaries with his work, he never really stuck to ‘the rules’, and created some beautiful works by exploring the material in his own way.
Sadly Ewen Henderson passed away in 2000, but his ceramics still remains well known and will always be an inspiration.
Hope you like this collection, feel free to leave comments and let me knw what you think! Which work do you like best?
Hi Charlotte,
seems like ages since last chatted to you ( I been on my hols) This was really interesting to read, I really like the work of kyra cane its very rustic and organic, I think they are all great though, its really good to see how different artists work and what influences them.
So thanks
kazx
p.s. can i still order a welcome plaque from you for my den….let me know thanks
kazx
Hi Kaz,
Good to have you back! Hope you enjoyed your holiday.
Glad you found this post interesting, I enjoyed writing it.
I can get making your plaque asap if you let me know how you want it, I'll need to get it in the kiln with my next firing batch next week as it may be a while when I fire a load again as I'll be busy with shows. I'll msg you on the forum.
Charlotte x
Hi charlotte
just messaged you on the forum x