laura
windmill

ABOUT LAURA:

A lifelong affair with clay began at the age of 14. I am as excited about clay and firings today as I was then.

Specialising in Alternate Firing techniques such as Saggar firings, Pit firings and Raku firings where results can be unpredictable, surprising and often stunning, I am drawn by the randomness of the passage of flame and chemical reactions of combustible materials. Patterns, textures and colours found in natural environment influence my work.

A visit to Central Australia with the orange red dirt of the desert, ever-changing shades and harsh bright lights is the inspiration for my “Desert” range. My artist eye showed me the myriad of colours in this remote landscape– yellows, purples, rose reds, stark whites and blacks, which I’m sometimes lucky enough to capture in the special saggar firing technique I use.

The remote Kimberley region, famed for the Boab trees has inspired the bottle shapes I make, combining both the desert colours and tree shapes.

My “Fire and Ice” series has been influenced by visits to New Zealand and Iceland. Colour combinations are reminiscent of glaciers, volcanoes, snow and rocks. The harshness and ruggedness of these landscapes provide a never-ending source of inspiration. This range is also influenced by the effects of bushfires on the landscape.

Raku firings (a rapid Japanese technique) provide even more unpredictable effects. The drama of flame and smoke impacts quickly. Glazed work is completed in a a few short hours and is as much about the technique as the results. The bright vibrant colours contrasting against blackened areas of unglazed clay make a dramatic statement.

There is a planned randomness to my work, but each piece is truly unique and unrepeatable.

Laura is a regular participant of Yarra Valley Open Studios.

Medium: potter, ceramicist
Tags: pottery, porcelain, alternative firing techniques, terrasiggilatta, passage of flame and smoke. Natural elements and patterns.