The Strata range was inspired by sedimentary rock formation I sketched whilst staying at Seaham Hall Hotel near to Middlesborough. The rocks were laid down in layers on the seabed ions ago and subjected to natural forces that heaved them up onto the surface of the earth and stacked them like books on a bookshelf. The resulting layers of rock have very interesting edges, quite sharp and jagged where sections have eroded at different rates. Porcleain has similar qualities – durable and strong once vitrified at high temperatures and hence can be manipulated into sharp overlapping pieces. I am indebted to Australian master potter John Stroomer who patiently taught me how to throw this form at Solway Ceramics Centre last summer.
STRATA RANGE
Strata Teardrop Vases
The Strata range is ny new range of statement studio pottery. The teardrop vase is thrown on the wheel into a classical form. Decoration is applied at leatherhard stage when I sweep on layers of porcelain slip creating stacked edges – like books on a bookshelf. The teardrop vase looks stunning when displayed on it’s More Info »Strata Tall Vase
I throw this vase on the wheel in two sections then join them together – to gain the height I want for a statement vase. I think it had great imapct displayed on it’s own – and is stunning when holding a tall branch and a cluster of flowers in a contemporary style. height approx More Info »Strata spherical vessel
Permian limestone formations observed on the Durham coast, are the inspiration for the Strata range. I throw large pots in two sections joining them together before decorating. Once leatherhard, I apply sweeping gestural marks made with thick porcelain slip. I carefully build up the layers paying particlar attention to the sharp edges created – which More Info »
Spherical vessels
The smaller spherical vessels are made from by throwing a single piece of porcelain – can be up to 3kg – into a tall cylinder then shaping. The round belly of the pot is pushed out from the inside very slowly and gently whilst the upper curve is encouraged by drawing the clay upwards and inwards. It’s a tricky process as all the porcelain wants to do at this stage is collapse! The layers of decoration are applied like plastering creating overlapping edges of thick porcelain slip. These are statement pieces for interiors – following Zen thinking, I think a single beautiful piece of art that is loved and thoughtfully displayed gives energy and dynamism to a room.
strata spherical vessel
Teardrop vases
Teardrop vases are formed in a similar way to the round vessels. A tall cylinder is encouraged to curve into a classically shaped curved profile. The simple shape is further defined by turning before decoration is applied. Broad sweeps of thick porcelain overlap each other forming sharp edges. These statement vases are designed to enhance interior settings giving energy and a focal point to a room.
Strata teardrop vase
Strata teardrop vase
