Ceramics

Susan O'Byrne - Goat, 2022 

Hand-built porcelain/collaged encaustic porcelain slip surface decoration.

The goat appears to have a quilt draped over its back. As the audience approaches closer, they can find that the artist has utilized collaged encaustic craft to create rich texture and layer covering the entire body. The coat on the goat gives it the appearance of a vivid creature. It reminds me of the craft of patchwork but it is a ceramic version. Amazing! There is also a beautiful blanket draped over the pig's back!

Koichi Nishi

Marbled flower vessel.

Koichi Nishi from Korea, who is a ceramic artist utilizing the "neriage" technique, where different colors of clay are layered and kneaded together. 

It represents one of the top techniques for a potter. The clays are typically layered, stretched, and then sliced to reveal the intricate patterns. From a distance, this pot resembled the luster of leather. Yet, upon closer inspection, my eyes couldn't stray from this round ceramic vessel. The matte surface resembles marble, when upon approaching closer, it reveals a 3D cosmos contained within. All of these layers are displaying because of the uniqueness of "neriage" craft.

Corner Vase, 1970 – 1979 by Elizabeth Fritsch CBE