Artist Bio - N.Stedman BA(Hons) Ceramic Artist/Designer
Initially my ceramics was focussed upon developing unique glazes based upon the personally generated theme of the ‘Aesthetics of Wear’. I was fascinated by both geological weathering and the patination of manmade artefacts. I wanted to see how far I could go in the interpretation of both these found surface textures. Having achieved unique glaze recipes that captured and interpreted the surface textures I went on to develop forms that complimented the glazes. My work has always been highly influenced by nature and the process of weathering and erosion. I am Inspired by texture, from eroded cliffs to weathered battered objects which I have found swept up on the coast. I am in love with both traditional and contemporary forms and this is shown in my work. I have taken inspiration from both traditional and functional pottery to contemporary objects such as scientific apparatus. By creating simplistic, minimalist forms, both traditional and contemporary, I can apply various glaze recipes to my blank canvases and create something which is highly tactile. As an artist I have tried to create weathered and aged textures that you would find outside, and apply them to minimalist forms that you would proudly display inside. Using a lathe I carve each form from plaster. By creating moulds for the form I then use the process of slip casting to produce each vessel. After I have bisk fired my form I then apply my glazes and fire the form once more to create such pieces as that you can see on screen.
