Littoral (Pertaining to the Sea) Sculpture

'I work with clay - a raw material; an earth material. With this medium I attempt to obtain an unbroken connection with my natural world. My simple forms are completed using alternative ceramic firing methods which challenge possibilities, with an unpredictability of the outcome'. Mary Kaun English was born and raised in Southern California but now lives and works close to the North Cliffs of the Cornish coastline. 'I am inspired by the impermanent fluctuation of nature, articulated by the shoreline as it changes during the each passing day. The transient progression is mimicked by my process of using flames to patinate my work. As the fire passes over my organic shapes, in a temporary kiln, it leaves a unique trail.' After studying Architecture in Los Angeles, Mary moved to England, and received a BA (Hons) in the Practice and Theory in Fine Art and Design from Wimbledon College of Art – UAL alongside studying ceramics at Putney Art College. Mary’s relationship with the natural world is mirrored in her experimental ceramic firing practice. Using this sustainable and traditional method, which is unpredictable and refuses to be controlled, Mary connects with nature. The second firing of her ceramics occurs in an open air pit-firing at her studio in West Cornwall or, more frequently, on the nearby beach, exposing the porous clay to the smoke given off by the organic materials used in the fire. The results are organic ceramic sculptures painted by nature.