Dimensions: W 11cm x L 26cm x H 33.5cm
Materials: Stoneware; China clay and Devon ball clay
Method: Hand built; modelled and carved
Care: Dust lightly
Description
The vessel is hand built — modelled and carved — by esteemed ceramicist Paul Philp in his home studio in Bath, UK. The time-consuming building of each piece by hand gives Philp control over the material to create the dramatic forms of the vessels. The sharp, precise edges and unique shape of the vessel demonstrate Philp’s awareness and mastery of material, form and surface texture.
The distinctive tactile textures of the vessel results from repeated high temperature-firings. The body of the vessel is first bisque fired then several layers of white slip are then applied and fired on. The final firing is completed at whiteheat (1260°C).
Its rough texture and warm sandstone-coloured palette balances its intriguing shape and playful asymmetry, giving the vessel an exceptional finish. The vessel embodies an antiquarian quality conveying Philp’s interest in ancient culture, oriental art, geology and the natural world. At the same time, its design and form suggests reference to design-focused artistic influences from Modernism and Art Deco.
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.
