Elements

 

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Elements are works made over the academic calendar of 2014 – 2015, and are the further investigation of ceramic forms begun four years ago. The shapes of these works evolve from the Meteorite, Cloud and Noggin forms and reengage the human head as well as pure abstract forms. Their most striking difference from previous work is the angularity of the forms, which is inspired by natural occurring minerals, gems and elements found on the Periodic Table and used as a source of imagery and content. 

 

Head-inspired Elements, purely abstract shapes and functional vases are the result of the year's activity. The vases evolved from the former two explorations when they seemed to call out to be opened so the interior could be exposed. Using circular cutting tools, a contrasting "core" opening was created as though the pieces had been drilled to extract a sample of their inner selves.

 

Like the previous series, each piece was created from a hand-build, enclosed clay sphere, which while still wet is manipulated by hand and paddles, and is finished with trimming tools. During the process the pieces usually take on a life of its own and determine their own character, which is then highlighted in the final trimming.