Ceramic Sculpture - Iris Sculpture

Classical Greek Art, Literature, History, Myths and Legends and the many traditions of Ancient Greece have always fascinated me. Ancient Greek vases and the wonderful collection in the British Museum in London give great enjoyment and suggest endless opportunities for creativity. They depict fabulous stories of Gods, heroes and many characters and the adventures they undergo exploring universal themes just as relevant today. Iris is a good example. A personification and goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods. Able to travel with the speed of wind from one end of the world to the other and into the depths of the sea and the underworld. She is also a goddess of the sea and the sky and links the gods to humanity. Frequently in the works of Homer, Virgil and Ovid. She carries an ewer of water from the River Styx with which she puts to sleep all who perjure themselves. Now that would be useful! The sculptures are made with a direct honesty to the nature of the material. Clay is a wonderful material that can be pulled, squashed, shaped and squeezed. It takes an impression like no other material and, being a basic "earth" material, it is a joy to work with. Natural and manufactured objects are used to make impressions and produce strong textures. The work shows the way as it progresses into a finished piece. The hand becomes as important as the eye and the mind. The nature of the clay and the design means there are lumps and bumps and various marks. This rugged affect is all part of the charm of the work. I use white stoneware clay and make using slab and coil building techniques. The work is then fired twice in an electric kiln, the second firing to over 1200c. Decorated with oxides, engobes and glazes. Lovely to hold – they have a great “feel” about them. Each piece is hand built and totally unique. Suitable for interior and exterior locations. Signed underneath with my signature stamp. Certificate of Authenticity included. Any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.