Inherent Rhythms
a deeper dive into why season occur
This body of work was influenced by a deeper dive into why season occur.
Looking at the rotation of the earth and influences of the sun & moon, I learnt about the multitude of inherent rhythms every living thing has developed to survive. Thinking about cycles of time, variations of rhythms and the forces placed upon the earth, made me wonder how, with constant movement and instability, we remain relatively balanced..
I used a simple vessel as a starting point. Throwing multiple layers outwards from the cylinder, varying the wheel speed and force to create different rhythms and movement. I played with gravity, gently dropping some of the pieces while soft to create bulges, irregular bottoms, interesting angles.
The variation in size and clay body, as well as the pieces of wood under, and flora within the vessel nod to different cycles, environments and rhythms.
Celebrating Hedgerows
hedgerows are one of my timekeepers
Hedgerows are one of my timekeepers. Subtle changes of colour, texture & growth indicate seasons gently shifting. These microcosms have so many vital functions yet they are often overlooked.
Not only do they provide food and refuge for wildlife, they capture carbon, reduce flooding and improve air & water quality. Some Sussex hedgerows can be dated back to the Bronze Age, giving clues about historical agricultural techniques..
the list goes on… they should be treasured.
Foraged hedgerow flora collected at different times of the year are entwined around and held within the bowls and thrown sculptures - periods of growth, abundance, and decline held and remembered.
Consistent Flux
consistency and constant change
The South Downs are ever present, their familiarity is comforting. Yet the colours and textures of this landscape is constantly changing with light, weather and season. This duality; consistency and constant change interests me, and is explored within this sculpture.
Many of the ceramic pieces are thrown with clay dug from the South Downs National Park (with permission). They are the same form, but the colours and textures of the wild clay vary. Gently rolling over the wood support (cut from a felled Sussex Elm), the ceramic pieces reference the duality of consistency and fluid change.
Gestures
communication through body language
These hand thrown sculptures look at communication through body language. These silent, powerful gestures can be subtle, at times instinctive, often communicating more than words themselves.
In Sync
investigating the threshold of inside & outside; public & private
This work looks at the dynamics of elements intertwining and the concept of symbiosis - the positive outcomes that happen when different materials, people & objects interact, collaborate and support each other.
In these sculptures all three materials work together - the balance, tension and partnership between the clay, wood and steel enables the sculpture to work.
Many of the bases for these sculptures are oak. "They are black because I have used Yakisugi (also known as Shou sugi ban) - a centuries-old technique that began in Japan. It involves charring the surface of wood to make it more resistant to moisture and more durable as a whole".
Hole Within the Whole
investigating the threshold of inside & outside; public & private
These hand thrown double skinned porcelain pieces explores the connections between the seen and unseen aspects of ourselves (thoughts, behaviour and reactions) and the ever changing boundaries between them. "Investigating the threshold of inside/outside, public/private, I explore where and how we draw a line and how this is constantly shifting."
Perspectives
the undulating hills and furrows of The South Downs
Hand thrown, twisted and carved, these pieces are inspired by the South Downs where Kate lives. The curving contours represent the undulating hills and furrows of the Downs, ever changing with light, season, perspective.