A L I S O N W E S T
C U R R E N T W O R K
K I R S T Y A D A M S
Kirsty Adam’s work is both functional and holds aesthetic meaning, retaining the spontaneity and delicacy intrinsic to making on the potters’ wheel. A Japanese comb tool is used to create and enhance the throwing lines. Her Icelandic collection is the culmination of a research trip to Iceland to express the ‘otherworldliness’ of the landscape.
Kirsty is an award-winning ceramicist currently working from her studio in Newcastle upon Tyne. She originally trained at Brighton Art College and then on the potters’ wheel in Japan. She has developed a personal approach to throwing on the wheel using porcelain clay, to produce unique pieces for the home.
Exhibitions and Events
Being Human
6th March - 19th April 2020
C U R R E N T W O R K
J U D Y M c K E N Z I E
"Passionate about clay and its magical properties of malleability, the body of work for my MA graduation show explores both processes of Nerikomi and Kintsugi for the creation of unique and decorative ceramic objects.
“Nerikomi (a process established in Japan and named from the traditional technique of creating patterns with coloured clay) is a new technique for me, but one, which embraces the properties of clay fully. Every particle is worked by hand, from colouring the porcelain with stains, to forming patterns and creating designs. Patterns are embedded within the porcelain and become the DNA of the material from which forms can be manipulated. A dialogue ensues between maker and material. A design can be imposed, but the clay will distort and twist, creating its own unique voice.
“Kintsugi (the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum) embraces the imperfections that can occur during the processes involved in the construction and firing. My fascination with both techniques is not only that the clay and pattern combine to become the material of the object, but also, the true character and materiality of the clay can be exploited and brought to centre stage.”
Judy McKenzie graduated from MA Ceramics & Glass from the Royal College of Art in June 2018. Her award-winning work was selected from her degree show to be exhibited within the Royal College of Art Graduation Show in Hangzhou, China.