Paul Philp Sculptural Vessel 6

Dimensions: H 24 x W29 x W10 

Materials: Earthenware 

Method:  Hand built 

Description:

Crafted by esteemed ceramicist Paul Philp, this sublime vessel is handmade using coiling techniques from a blend of contrasting clays. With emphasis placed on material and form, Philp created this remarkable limited-edition series that was influenced by Modernism and Art Deco architectural design styles. Adopting his own ideas to these movements, he developed an innovative body of work which encompasses his impressive research and masterly hand.  

Using multiple high temperature firings allows for thin layers of material to be applied to the stoneware surface throughout the entire making process. The first is fired at 1000°C to harden the material, followed by a second or third at 1250°C, to then dip in liquid China clay. This produces a white surface, which is later painted.

This piece has an intriguing shape and a distinct quality that reflects Philp's practice and echo’s his historical references. Experimenting with tin oxide and crude iron enables him to pay careful attention to colour and tone. The gritty surface of this piece is perfectly combined with icy tones and subtly textured, blue hues on the exterior. The vessels have two beautifully painted sides that mirror one another yet each hold a different tone, adding to the enticing charm of Philp's formations. Exhibited publicly for the first time, his exploratory relief carving expresses his grounding in tradition as well as his forward-thinking practice.

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.