Photograph by Joanna Rhodes
“… we were all meant to run, swim and strike ball or the keys of a piano. At such moments we feel ourselves to be more ourselves than is normally the case, more actively a part of the world. At such moments, one could say, we understand instinctively what it means to exist, that miracle which most of the time we take for granted.”
I started out wanting to change the world and get to grips with my own experience of existing. This was when I realised that the sense of touch was fundamental to being present and interacting with the world. I make work to be touched as an alternative to the culturally dominant voyeuristic and passive gaze of digital life. To make and create connections.
I let the clay and my sub-conscious guide my pieces and often get lost in the indulgence of the making process. The world is a complicated place so I like to keep things simple. I am fascinated with imperfections and like to relinquish a little control and utilise the properties of the clay. I believe the Japanese call it Wabi-Sabi.
Making work from the earth connects me to it. My favourite hang-out is the beach and I love walks in the woods. A spiritual connection to the natural world along with a sense of impermanence and the appreciation of the fragility of life. I have always been fascinated with the idea that objects and environments exist beyond the lifespan of any one person. And every place or space is in constant flux.
Life & influences are inevitably brought into the mix. I connect with my female textile heritage and incorporate an essence of this into my work. I value the beauty of minimalism and identify with concepts of Zen. My aim is to capture a freshness and spontaneity to create work that is constantly developing.
“To be taught to read – what is that, if you know not what you read is false or true? To be taught to write or speak – but what is the use of speaking if you have nothing to say? To be taught to think – nay, what is the use of being able to think, if you have nothing to think of? But to be taught to see is to gain the word and thought at once and both true.”
