Dimensions: W 26cm x H 25cm
Materials: Stoneware; China clay and Devon ball clay
Method: Hand built; modelled and carved
Care: Dust lightly
Description
Linear crisscrossing ochre motifs sprawl out from within its mottled neutral sandy structure as if carved by a chisel. Hues of grey-blue, subtle flecks, and inclusions adorn the outer surface of the vessel contrasting with the deeper palette of its mottled umber inside. From the mouth of the vessel, its form effortlessly sweeps out to a broad, sharp waist falling neatly to a narrow base.
The remarkable texture of the vessels results from repeated high-temperature firings. The body of the pieces is bisque-fired before various mixtures of clay and sand are repeatedly applied and fired at around 1000°C. Layers of thick China and Devon ball clay slip and plain stoneware wood-ash glaze are applied around the rim. The final firing is completed at white heat (1260°C).
The textured surface and understated colour of the vessel embody a serene and antiquarian quality conveying Philp’s interest in ancient culture, oriental art, geology, and the natural world.
About the Artist
Paul has been working with clay for over forty years and over that time has experimented with a variety of materials and techniques, some of which have never been tried before. This has resulted in equal measures of delight and frustration as some attempts work and others fail. It’s not an easy task especially as each of his pieces face, what he calls an “unknown future”, as various “breakdowns” (unpredictable cracks and fissures) occur as they are fired multiple times in the kiln. However, this is all part of Paul Philp’s unique creative process. It’s very important to him that each of his pieces develop into something that have their own individual character and identity. He wants them to have a life beyond him and soon after he starts to create them, they should continue on a journey of their own. We are attracted to this idea and hope that as owners and inheritors of his pieces that they will continue their journey in our own homes and beyond.
