As a essential part of my artistic process I make use of 'play' to create small forms out of clay or any materials I have to allow my imagination to begin. From my recent preoccupation with nature I found the shapes I was created appeared to suggest organic forms and structures. However I also was extremely aware of a process and almost ritualistic approach I was taking to creating these objects as I embellished these shapes and carved into them.
The use of clay was important to me during this process as it allows me to work into the material using only my hands and completely manipulate and transform the material. However once I had finished forming the shapes, the clay then would begin to fit back and the natural constraints would be imposed onto me as the clay dried and would begin to reveal cracks or fall apart on joining sections.
After experimenting with creating a small scale version of this form, I decided to create a bigger version to experiment with the implications that scale would place onto it as a sculptural form. I found that by increasing the scale it became more interesting as a test piece and I find the repetitive circular forms very pleasing.
I then experimented with creating forms which after forming found they were egg like or pebble like. I then wanted to experiment with engraving into them and adding my own inscription into them. I found this also represented a ritualistic act as I preciously tried to repeat a set pattern in the shapes.
From this I then also created a piece which contrast with the organic connotations of the previous pieces as I wanted to contort the clay therefore I tested knotting and platting the clay. I found this created a sense of tension, which I found interesting. However as these were only small tests they do not possess the sculptural power and presence which I desire, however I will continually use them as a reference point for form inspirations.
This is how they now sit on my studio space window sill as I like to view them with a interaction of the natural light and trees in the background as it allows me to consider them in relation to natural forms.
