Dimensions: W 36cm x H 46cm
Materials: Stoneware; China clay and Devon ball clay
Method: Hand built; modelled and carved
Care: Dust lightly
Description
Originating from the forms of Philp’s Minka-influenced relief panels, these asymmetrical, four and five-sided vessels carve a striking, sculptural silhouette. The rough surface, colour palette and size of this series of stoneware vases embody a monumental and antiquarian quality conveying Philp’s interest in ancient culture, oriental art, geology, and the natural world. These large vessels are some of Philp’s last works on this scale.
The vessels' distinctive tactile textures are a result of repeated high-temperature firings. The darker areas are created by a mixture of cobalt and iron and highlight its natural hues and sculptural contours. The initial hand-built form of the vessel is bisque-fired. Two to three layers of white slip, liquid China, and Devon ball clay, are then applied and fired on several firings at around 1000°C. The final firing is completed at white heat (1260°C).
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.
