Fiona Charter
Fiona Charter | Ceramics | Wiltshire
Flora, fauna, folklore and legend are all integral to Fiona's work. She lives in Wiltshire which is rich in all of those things.
Fiona looks at classic shapes for inspiration, archaeological items, country pottery and old botanical drawings. She has worked with clay throughout her life. Three dimensional forms are her canvas.
Fiona wants her work to have a fresh and contemporary perspective, yet evoke feelings of antiquity, ornament and nostalgia. Fiona makes slowly; her work is the antithesis of a multi manufactured piece. All vessels and platters are entirely handmade and hand painted with oxides and under glaze pigments. Fiona coils and slab builds all her pieces.
The delicate and intricate illustrations are in vivid contrast with the earthy texture of iron rich terracotta clay. She uses sgraffito to enhance the surface texture. Maker's marks and brushstrokes are intentionally left to show the relationship between Fiona and the pieces she makes.