Paul Philp Relief 2

Dimensions: W 1.5cm x L 38cm x H 30cm

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

Method: Hand built

Care: Dust lightly

Description

With a gritty texture, Philp’s charming piece uses organic materials to form a sculptural composition placed on board. The central composition is placed raised on a white clay painted wooden board, giving a relief sculptural feel, with the edge of the board raised to create framing. Making use of a neutral palette, the central composition brings together geometric forms to create harmonious balance. The piece is divided into two halves, with the right side taking on a striking charcoal that shows off a textural surface, presenting shifts in tones and shadow. The left side uses a natural beige hue, with a similarly tactile feel, bringing in grey tones to emphasise the textural quality. Divided by the centre, a half white circle cuts into the beige hue bringing a juxtaposing smooth feel and curvature. A single black circle is carved into the white circle, creating another level of relief in the sculptural composition. 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.