I create ceramic vessels that explore form, line, texture and the interaction of light, shade and colour. Inspiration is drawn from the natural world, the material qualities of clay and the physicality of the making process itself. Working in porcelain for its purity, translucency, and its clear bright colours when glazed. I continue to be fascinated by this material, which responds to the slightest touch, recording every action applied and the ability to work entirely with the hands to create objects which can then 'fixed' in the intense heat of the kiln. I have a particular passion for throwing but also employ other traditional and experimental methods to produce the work.
Currently the work has two distinct themes:
Thrown porcelain vessels with freely textured surfaces. Patterns in clouds, sand and water ripples have been of particular interest as a source of surface textures in this work. This body of work explores the contrast between the free/organic and controlled/geometric surfaces. Each piece is part of a family of vessels with its own subtle variations in form, texture and colour. The physical qualities of glaze moving over the surface, pooling in the textures and breaking on edges produces varying depths of colour, integrating the surface with the form.
Hand built porcelain geometric vessels. This body of work, strongly influenced by my background in cabinet making and fine metals, uses construction techniques borrowed from these disciplines. Constructed from slip cast sheets, folded and joined, creating tensioned and curved surfaces. The unglazed pure white and translucent surfaces play with light and shade creating a sense of movement. Through an experimental approach I strive to find a path between the functional and the sculptural to create objects of interest, beauty and potential function.
Keith Varney
14/08/2011
