Q&A with Ceramic Artist Andrew Walker Part II
Architect Ceramic Collection Turquoise & Black 2020
How is your work constructed and how long does it take to produce?
My vessels are created using a series of fins made from clay slabs to give the illusion of a solid form. Once I decide on a design, I create a paper silhouette template of each section, this allows me to calculate how tall the inner vessel will be and how much clay I’ll need to use. Sometimes these shapes get adapted along the way by dividing them into sections to creating an overlapping design.
The inner vessel is then created along with rolled out slabs of clay, once leather hard each fin is cut out individually. I’ll start construction by sectioning off the inner vessel and adhering each silhouette to it. During the construction I’ll decide whether to remove or shorten fins and determine where the viewer may see the construction marks as part of the design. My work often seems symmetrical at first glance, but I purposefully create imperfections, so every piece is unique.
Depending on how large the piece is, production is often between 3-5 days.
Who are your favourite ceramic artists?
There are so many great artists out there but for shape, form and design simplicity here’s a few- Hans Coper, Edmund de Waal and Johnathan Cross.
What’s been your biggest achievement so far?
Opening my own pottery studio must be up there. It was the right time to take the plunge and I’m so glad I finally did it. Its still in its infancy but hopefully it will go from strength to strength. Also being invited to showcase my work in some great exhibitions during last year.
Are there any skills you’d like to learn in the future?
Yes. Constantly learning new skills helps us evolve, especially as artists. I would love to be able to throw with confidence, learn more about the chemistry behind creating your own glazes and sketch my designs ideas to scale. They don’t play a huge part in my current process but they’re invaluable skills to have for the future.
What’s in development and happening over the next 12 months?
These are very troubling times with the current Coronavirus epidemic so it’s hard to say for definite.
Development wise, I’d like to carry on with my investigation into colouring clay bodies. The turquoise and bright yellow additions to my current collection have inspired me to expand the range of colours on offer. I’m also looking into creating a new lighting range later in the year.
Keep teaching and develop the classes and workshops on offer in the pottery. I’m also thinking of offering out some studio space on a drop-in basis for someone who wants to start working on their own ceramic projects.
If all goes well, hopefully exhibit at various locations including Cluster and Ceramic Art London 2021.