Paul Philp Relief 1

Dimensions: W 1cm x L 38cm x H 30cm

Materials: Stoneware; China clay and Devon ball clay on board

Method: Hand built

Care: Dust lightly

Description

With the use of organic materials, Philp brings in sculptural elements within this charming composition. A harmonious balance is found with use of geometric forms and a neutral palette, applied using washes of clay as paint. A wooden board forms a frame, raised on the outer edge. The central composition is placed upon the black board backdrop, raised to form a relief sculptural feel. Colour is applied in visible strokes, allowing an insight into the artistic process, and creating subtle patterning. The composition is divided through the middle – on the left side, grey slats are placed horizontally, allowing shadow to be cast between them to play with tone and pattern. To the right, a natural beige hue is applied, given dimension with the visible application of colour. A part white circle is placed to the far right, cutting through beige tone, to bring unexpected curvature to otherwise angular composition. In the centre, a miniature black circle is carved in, tonally tying itself to the black frame to create harmony in use of colour. Philp’s palette of earthy hues grounds his works and forms a connection to the earth and natural world. This neutrality alongside the simplicity of form brings an understated elegance that emits a feel of tranquillity.

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.