Hello!
In July, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the art of wood-fired sculpture—an unfamiliar territory that both challenged and excited me. Embracing the unknown is my way; I thrive on the discomfort and exhilaration that come with venturing into new realms. My goal was to expand my practice and skills under the guidance of a renowned artist, gaining a fresh perspective on my work.
Wood-fired ceramics are a labour of love and community. It takes weeks to chop the wood, followed by over 72 hours of continuously feeding the kiln to reach temperatures above 1300 degrees. This process requires a dedicated community of artists working in shifts to make this transformation possible. The love and dedication to this traditional craft make these pieces truly special.
The course took place at Cerdeira Home of Creativity, a beautifully restored farm nestled in the hills, surrounded by trees—a perfect environment for retreat and creative focus. We were a multi-national group, coming from seven different countries across the globe, all united by our shared passion for creating. The sense of community that grew between us was incredible, and it made the experience even more meaningful.
Our days were long and full—mornings spent on theory and practicals, afternoons experimenting with new techniques, followed by evening clinics on additional skills. We worked late into the night, putting in 12-hour days. It was intense, but so rewarding. What I loved most was the sense of connection, from the ceremonial lighting of the kiln to traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and our late-night chats while tending the fire. The experience brought us together in such a special way. It was truly a magical group, and these bonds are something I’ll cherish forever.
This sense of connection and shared purpose was encapsulated perfectly by Marc Lancet, the course leader and a celebrated wood-fired artist, who said:
“We are not making art; we are making artists.”
His words resonated deeply with me, especially after spending so much time with the community and the process. By the end of my time in Cerdeira, this experience had become nothing short of a creative awakening, enabling me to fully embrace my identity as an artist.
The sculptures I created are vibrant, intuitive, and expressive, reflecting my growing confidence and trust in my instincts. This body of work encapsulates the essence of this artistic journey—a transformative path of self-discovery, learning, and the unfiltered expression of my creative voice. This experience marked a pivotal moment in my process, freeing me from inhibitions and deepening my reliance on intuition. The dynamic and lively nature of these pieces signifies the newfound assurance and evolution of my artistic identity.
Crafted from clay sourced directly from the Cerdeira landscape and fired with local wood, these sculptures embody the elements of earth, wind, and fire. The kiln, constructed by Japanese Master Kiln builder Masakazu Kusakabe, infused the process with traditional wood-firing methods dating back to the 4th century—merging a wealth of ancient knowledge with contemporary art. These pieces stand as symbols of my growth, built upon the hills of knowledge, representing the harmony between nature and art, and the ongoing journey of becoming an artist.
‘The Resolute Muse’
2024
Wood fired ceramic
H:175mm W:145 D:85
This piece pays homage to the ancient Paleolithic Venus Figurines, which are often considered early representations of beauty ideals. It reflects my signature style and serves as a foundational element of my practice, drawing on the core influence of these historical sculptures. Titled ‘Vanguardians’, this on-going collection celebrates leading, powerful, and visionary women who stand at the forefront of their journey. These figures embody not only empowerment but also the role of protector and custodian of the feminine.
‘The Resolute Muse’ uniquely connects the ancient Venus figurines with the wood-firing process. Its textured surface, built up with layers of ash, evokes the sensation of having been unearthed alongside ancient relics, blending the timeless essence of the Venus sculptures with the elemental qualities of the wood-firing technique.
‘Odyssey’
2024
Wood fired ceramic
H:270mm W:110mm D:12mm
‘The Odyssey’ is a podium sculpture featuring a powerful figure of a woman at its pinnacle, symbolising resilience and growth. The column's deeply textured surface evokes the appearance of a weathered wood, adorned with growths of fungi and ascending steps that lead to the figure. Its base, encrusted with layers of ash, gradually transitions to a metallic sheen as it rises, mirroring the evolution of the artistic journey.
The title ‘The Odyssey’ reflects the epic nature of this journey—an odyssey of artistic struggle and triumph. The sculpture captures the essence of overcoming obstacles and achieving creative heights, with the figure standing proudly despite being marred and disfigured. This piece embodies the trials and victories of reaching a significant creative milestone, highlighting the transformative process from raw beginnings to a refined artistic expression.
‘The Ash King’
2024
Wood fired ceramic
H:85mm W:50mm D:60mm
‘The Ash king’ is a small-scale sculpture of a male torso, wood-fired to achieve a distinctive, textured surface. The piece features a proud, puffed chest and a resolute stance, with the figure looking up and forward, embodying strength and resilience.
This sculpture represents the journey of overcoming adversity—a universal struggle faced by many. The powerful stance and forward gaze signify triumph over challenges and the determination to emerge stronger from personal battles. The rich texture, marked by the wood-firing process, symbolizes the scars and experiences accumulated along the way.
‘The Ash King’ stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and the courage required to fight through difficult times. It celebrates the resilience and pride that come from facing and overcoming obstacles, embracing a hopeful and promising future.
‘Pear Drop I’
2024
Wood fired ceramic
H:190mm W:140mm D:140mm
This abstract, voluptuous vessel takes on a pear-like shape, subtly evoking the female form. The distinctive effects of fire, ash, and gas have left a unique wave of colour encircling the piece, narrating the story of its placement within the kiln. This wave of colour serves as a visual record of the vessel's journey through the intense heat and unpredictable environment of the wood-firing process, capturing the dynamic interaction between the elements and the clay. The piece stands as a reflection of the alchemical power of fire and the beauty that emerges from embracing the natural forces at play in the kiln.
‘Pear Drop II’
2024
Wood fired ceramic
H:205mm W:140mm D:140mm
This abstract, voluptuous vessel takes on a pear shape, subtly hinting at the female form. The piece tells the story of its journey through the fires, ash, and gas that touched it. The placement in the kiln was a high-risk choice—positioned directly under the hearth where ferocious fiery embers and ash fell onto it. The intense heat posed the risk of melting and destroying the piece entirely. This decision required me to relinquish any expectations and embrace the unpredictability of the process, a crucial learning experience. Thankfully, the risk paid off; the vessel now bears encrusted ash, giving it a geological appearance as if it were pulled from the earth.
The vessel serves as a tribute to the power of fire, the risks inherent in the creative process, and the beauty that can arise from surrendering to the elements.
‘Kiln Goddess I’
2024
Wood fired ceramic
H:70mm W:40mm D:45mm
"Kiln Goddess I" is a small figurine, created as a guardian of the wood-firing process. She represents a symbolic gesture towards the ancient traditions, history, and cultural significance of wood firing. Originally intended to stand outside the kiln as a protective figure, she was accidentally placed within the kiln during firing. This unexpected turn has deepened her role, as she now bears the marks of the fire itself. Transformed by the flames, she embodies the spirit of the fire and is now destined to protect future firings while upholding the traditions cherished by artisans for generations.
‘Rituals I, II, III, IV’
2024
Wood fired ceramic
H:75-100mm W:65-75mm D:50-60mm
This first collection from the new series ‘Rituals’ explores the connection between humans and ritual. From our daily cups of tea to celebratory toasts with champagne, whiskey, or sake, rituals shape our lives and mark significant moments. Created as part of my morning warm-up at the studio, these pieces embody the essence of ritual both in their creation and intended use. Designed to serve as vessels for these ritualistic practices, they reflect our intrinsic need for ceremonial acts in everyday life.
If you have any questions about the course or interested in purchasing work featured in this Blog. Contact me via email or instagram.
