As a ceramicist building a number of pieces for an exhibition usually      starts for inspiration form the natural environment I find myself in. Self-isolation has allowed me to reflect on the current Global Pandemic, which has altered the concept of my work.I have given each frame a title & theme relating to the current situations and scenarios that have become a different kind of normal daily life.

I have used the beauty of the birds, the driftwood, and the skyline to illustrate a changing world. The birds represent people and just like people birds live in every part of the world. The reclaimed driftwood represents a renewal of life and the rebirth of a new us and the measures needed to continue to live and keep loved ones safe. The different sky backdrops are a reminder of how quickly the world we live in can change

Artist Biography

Emerging from Dark Times

In the grip of the present Global Pandemic where everything we took for granted is changing, it’s hard to imagine that this could ever happen. As I stop and reflect on the effect it is having on people around the world, I realise that this is real and has affect each and every one of us, regardless of wealth, colour, creed or belief we are all in this together.  Life has changed for us all, the normal shopping trip is no longer a simple task, we are taking huge a chance just to get the essentials as no one knows who has this invisible disease until you start to show symptoms and then it’s too late as it has moved on to another individual who does not know they are infected and will go on to infect others.  Even if we think we are safe, we don’t show any signs we need to stop and think about family and friends, a kiss, cuddle or hug could be fatal, it’s a bit like Russian roulette.

As an emerging ceramic artist, I had so many plans to start up a small business to engage the local community through workshops to allow interested people to develop new skills and socialise with like-minded others.  The children’s Easter workshops were cancelled and the foreclosure of Gallery’s, craft shops and local community halls was another blow to the business, with nowhere to display the current works.  The work I was creating  was to reflect my interpretation of the natural environment lost its meaning, but as I stepped back and reflected on the purpose of this work I realised that it was still relevant to my interpretation of the natural world and the journey we all have to make to survive this current crisis.

As originally the ideas of the frames came from my appreciation and interpretation of the natural world, the colours in our sky at different times during different seasons, to the landscapes and the animals we see arounds us.  I refocused on the social situation we find ourselves in and the impact it is having on our life.  Alongside the social situation we find the sky is bright and clear, the birds are singing in the gardens again now that people have time to listen.

What got me really thinking, was a ceramic artist or any artist, creating and making work it can be a lonely place being the only person in the studio. A form of self-isolation while working and to ensure an even balance to the loneliness become very social when not working on their masterpieces.  Where artist like going to opening nights at galleries and shows. Networking with artists around the world via the internet/social media bring the art community closer 'within a click of a button'.

Whilst finishing off the current project taking photographs of the first piece, I could see an even deeper meaning and understanding of the present time we as humans have found ourselves in.

On reflection off the Global Pandemic I have given each frame a title & theme relating to the current situations and scenarios that have become a way of our daily lives. I have used the beauty of the birds, the trees, and the skyline as they are the normal symbols that we associate with the natural world. These natural pieces will hopefully shine a light and bring some positivity, with the aim of lifting our spirits in these dark uncertain times. The birds represent people and just like people birds live in every part of the world, they live on the land and fly high in the sky.  The reclaimed driftwood represents a renewal of life and the rebirth of a new us and the measures needed to continue to live and keep loved ones safe.  The different colourful sky backdrops are a reminder of how quickly the whole world can also change.