Black means a few different things psychologically, some with negative connotations, but not for me! Black is a powerful colour, with no gender-specific qualities and so within an art context it can be appealing to all. It is mysterious, bold and indefinable and has always been an important aspect of my work, both in 2D and 3D. I am passionate about hand building in clay, and because of the integration of black in my work, I was not surprisingly drawn to Raku. Black is most intense against a white background and a defining feature of many Raku style ceramics. However, I love to experiment with coloured glazes and the unpredictable spectrum of textures and colours that can be gained from the Raku process. The use of oxides and irregular markings also figure heavily in many of my pieces, particularly stoneware.
Nature produces the most amazing art, all by itself, and I never cease to be amazed, and inspired by it. While I love natural shapes, I am also drawn to engineering and technology and asymmetrical form and shape. When working I sense that my feelings get transformed into shapes as I work, which can be spontaneous and unpredictable, but probably reflective of my current mood (earthy, rough and fluid or structured and with attention to detail). I am sometimes told my work looks random. Assimilation or divergent? I have always battled with this, but feel that to concentrate on one style, would be to the detriment of the other
I work from my own studio on bordering the Peak District in the lovely Staffordshire Moorlands.
- Phone: 07917 420 970
- Email: mariemcgg@blackbydesign.co.uk
- Web: www.blackbydesign.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/McGGCeramics
