Welcome to our blog series featuring insightful interviews with contemporary artists. In this edition, we explore the artistic philosophies, processes, and inspirations of Suna Imre, Abigail Schama, Corrinne Eira Evans, Annette Lindenberg, and the dynamic duo behind Ash & Plumb. Join us as we delve into their creative worlds and uncover the stories behind their captivating works.
Suna Imre: Meditative Ceramics and Nature's Harmony
Suna Imre's ceramics embody a serene blend of meditation and nature. "There's a meditative act in notating. You become totally present, so it has definitely become a way of meditating," she shared. Her work often incorporates elements from her garden, such as the bark impressions from cherished cherry and pear trees, imbuing each piece with personal memories and seasonal symbolism.
"Using materials from my garden, like cherry and pear tree bark, adds layers of meaning. They hold personal significance and connect me deeply with nature," Suna explained.
"I often find myself in a dialogue with my environment when I work. It's a process where the boundary between myself and nature dissolves," Suna reflected, highlighting the intimate connection between her art and the natural world.
Transitioning from dance to ceramics, Suna finds parallels between the tactile nature of clay and the fluidity of dance. "Working with clay often feels like a dance. Its tactility and responsiveness in my hands feel very akin to dancing with partners in contact," she reflected. Her Zen practice influences her creative process, fostering a quiet, grounding presence that allows her ceramics to evolve organically.
"Zen practice has taught me to let go of preconceived notions and let the clay guide me. It's about embracing imperfection and spontaneity," Suna emphasised.
Sustainability is a key concern for Suna, shaping her artistic choices: "I strive to minimise my environmental impact by using the kiln sparingly and exploring eco-friendly techniques," she noted. This dedication extends beyond her art, influencing her lifestyle towards simplicity and sustainability.
Abigail Schama: Echoes of Ancient Pottery and Psychoanalytic Depth
Abigail Schama draws inspiration from ancient Greek pottery, viewing these vessels as archaeological storytellers. "What we know about these vessels festooned with mythic scenes is that they were intended for containing water, oil, wine, perfume. Their gravity and substance lie in the everydayness," she explained.
"I strive to capture the essence of ancient pottery by embracing its storytelling quality. Each piece tells a story, connecting us to the human experience across time," Abigail noted.
Drawing parallels with psychoanalysis, Abigail sees her vessels as receptacles for emotions and fantasies. "Unlike a person, a vessel or plate is fully exposed. It’s an object with an inside and outside, available to the eye without any deliberate attempt at concealment," she reflected, delving into the profound psychological undercurrents of her practice.
Corrinne Eira Evans: Capturing Dartmoor's Mystical Beauty
Corrinne Eira Evans finds endless inspiration in Dartmoor's ever-changing landscape, translating its shadows and shifting skies into wearable art. "The movement of the wind through grasses, the textured layers of stone, soil, and sky. The changeable moods of the seasons are reflected in the pieces I create," she shared.
"My jewellery aims to evoke a sensory experience, connecting wearers with the tranquillity and wild beauty of Dartmoor," Corrinne emphasised.
Combining traditional chain smithing with contemporary aesthetics, Corrinne creates pieces that embody both heritage craftsmanship and modern sensibilities. "I blend traditional techniques with a contemporary vision, aiming to create timeless designs that resonate with the natural world".
Corrinne Eira Evans finds endless inspiration in Dartmoor's ever-changing landscape, translating its shadows and shifting skies into wearable art. Her jewellery collections, crafted with fine link chains and natural sapphires, aim to connect wearers with the tranquillity of nature. "The movement of the wind through grasses, the textured layers of stone, soil, and sky. The changeable moods of the seasons are reflected in the pieces I create," she shared.
Combining traditional chain smithing with contemporary aesthetics, Corrinne creates pieces that embody both heritage craftsmanship and modern sensibilities, capturing the mystical essence of Dartmoor within her pieces.
Annette Lindenberg: Embracing Change and Wabi-Sabi in Ceramics
Annette Lindenberg's ceramic works explore the beauty of impermanence through experimental techniques and natural inspirations. "Often, change is the thing we are most scared to embrace, especially when it is something that relates to ourselves,". Her ceramics, marked by unpredictable glazes and organic forms, embody the wabi-sabi aesthetic, finding beauty in imperfection and transience.
Drawing from sensory memories and natural observations, Annette's pieces invite viewers to contemplate fleeting moments in nature, from the texture of seaweed to the play of light on water. Her creative process embraces spontaneity while allowing materials to dictate the final outcome, resulting in artworks that celebrate the ephemeral beauty of life.
Ash & Plumb: Timeless Craftsmanship and Collaborative Creativity
Ash & Plumb celebrate the natural beauty of green oak through a collaborative approach that blends ancient traditions with contemporary innovation. "Whilst there is a wildness to working with unseasoned wood, especially the Oak that we choose to work, it is not unpredictable in its entirety".
"Our designs are inspired by historical archetypes but infused with modern sensibilities. It’s a delicate balance between honouring tradition and exploring new possibilities”.
Collaboration is at the heart of Ash & Plumb's process, with Barnaby focusing on woodcraft and Dru handling stitchwork and visual storytelling. "Our partnership allows us to push the boundaries of traditional woodcraft, creating bold and innovative pieces that showcase the natural qualities of wood," they shared, highlighting the dynamic interplay of ideas and expertise in their work.
These artists offer a rich tapestry of creative expressions, deeply connected to their materials and environments. Through ceramics, jewellery, and woodcraft, they explore themes of nature, change, and the human experience. Join us on this journey as we uncover the stories behind their captivating creations and more in our latest show “Nothing Gold Can Stay”.
