BA (Hons) Ceramics 2005 |
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Gabrielle Jessica Frazer Tel 029 2049 4943 |
Each pod form becomes a memory of a particular firing; each has its own unique markings. By resting a piece against another during the firing, they cannot help but affect the next one's markings. Through dissecting the elements which cause an individual piece to be distinctive, a search to find how and why the markings exist has entailed-exploring the major causes and slight changes in atmosphere, temperature and placing of surrounding objects. Each specific factor altered, becomes a catalyst for a unique reaction. These occurrences of markings are not entirely spontaneous. The choices behind creating an intriguing surface are conscious ones and therefore give me control to a certain extent. The way I wrap the organic matter and where I place my fingers, are recorded in the resulting markings and fingerprints. Words spoken without thought, seemingly unrelated, become wrapped up in the process, offering incoherent snippets of conversation taken from the studio at the time of making. The sealed chambers that are required in order to create the correct atmosphere play an integral role in the outcome of the markings. Originally, a chamber or 'saggar' was used within pottery production to protect ceramic pieces from any wood ash that may fall during the firing. By reversing the intention, the saggar can be used as a way of creating and preserving the markings from organic matter. The saggar then becomes as important as the piece encased within it. It is the container of the reaction of the firing. The chamber becomes a husk for the pieces, fitting the form, a protective shell preventing the atmosphere from escaping. Multiple firings of the husk cause the outside to become affected by the atmosphere of the kiln. The corrosive salts present within the kiln bricks, start to eat away at the ceramic, the husk begins to take on the qualities found within the kiln's fused and eroded bricks. I hope the work expresses my intrigue and wonder within the search of capturing a perfect atmosphere, consequently the perfect individual piece, and emphasizes the impact each slight, seemingly small decision can have. |
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I am attempting to capture the excitement and fascination I have within the making and firing process of ceramics. 
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