Artist Statement
We have an instinctive need to keep aspects of our lives and our past hidden, to protect our inner vulnerable self. Secret feelings that need to be kept safe and secure, our guilt, passion, desire, shame, hopes, dreams and regret, because disclosure or openness might leave us vulnerable and exposed, damaging the delicate connection with those around us. Yet we also have a need to share and connect with others, in spite of our fears and the risks.
It is the idea and act of secrecy and security, not what is being hidden itself, which I am exploring through the metaphor of architectural forms. The way we protect or expose those personal secrets, intimate, fragile and vulnerable. Buildings and architecture represent our ultimate protection and security from the elements, and from each other. However, we are curious as to what happens within those structures and the places that we are excluded from. Intrigued by the secrets that they keep and hide from the world. Many of us will look through an uncovered window or an open door to glimpse the hidden world inside and the secrets beyond. My work plays with the desire to glimpse into that inner world but limits our access and frustrates and protects the portals with grids and mesh to keep it secure.
My work is made from stoneware clay and the pieces have an aged, almost archaeological feel. To achieve this the clay has been mixed with organic materials so that after the piece has been fired and the organic material burns away the finished surface is pitted and distressed. The colours are achieved by firing the pieces a second time in a saggar (a clay box which is fired within the kiln) which contains combustible materials and minerals which burn away and leave marks, scars and residues on the surface.
It is the idea and act of secrecy and security, not what is being hidden itself, which I am exploring through the metaphor of architectural forms. The way we protect or expose those personal secrets, intimate, fragile and vulnerable. Buildings and architecture represent our ultimate protection and security from the elements, and from each other. However, we are curious as to what happens within those structures and the places that we are excluded from. Intrigued by the secrets that they keep and hide from the world. Many of us will look through an uncovered window or an open door to glimpse the hidden world inside and the secrets beyond. My work plays with the desire to glimpse into that inner world but limits our access and frustrates and protects the portals with grids and mesh to keep it secure.
My work is made from stoneware clay and the pieces have an aged, almost archaeological feel. To achieve this the clay has been mixed with organic materials so that after the piece has been fired and the organic material burns away the finished surface is pitted and distressed. The colours are achieved by firing the pieces a second time in a saggar (a clay box which is fired within the kiln) which contains combustible materials and minerals which burn away and leave marks, scars and residues on the surface.