Featured Maker: Sarah Sullivan
22nd March - 27th May 2023 Retail Gallery
I am a potter working from my studio in South Cornwall.
I make batches of stoneware vessels, sometimes thrown - with a smooth clay, and sometimes coil built - with a grogged clay. These are individually hand carved. A slow, rhythmic process that is endlessly satisfying. The result is a unique and extremely tactile vessel that looks and feels both modern and ancient.
I make thrown cups, bowls, jugs, but most enjoy making larger pieces - coil built vessels and figures. The majority of my work is hand carved using a small stripping tool, creating curves and pattern and making the pieces so satisfying to handle and use. They are mindfully made and beautifully tactile.
The pots are finished in a dolomite glaze and a combination of slips and glazes, of a colour palette that reflects the local beach where I swim year-round.
I am influenced by ancient pottery vessels, studio pottery pioneers, contemporary throwers, through to Japanese and Scandinavian clean lines of design. I love modern wood carving, sculpture and vessels.
The carved lines in my pots are representative of the tidal lines, sand and rocks on the Cornish beaches, the geology of the landscape and the history of mark making in clay.
