Artist's Statement

The focus for my ceramic work is an exploration of colour and line, through which I develop a range of unique decorative patterns. Using the thrown vessel, the simple forms I create offer a striking contrast between the earthenware structure and the rich decoration. Process is an important element within my work and by using a combination of mark making techniques it is my intention to express my response to natural structures and formations which form the ideological basis for my work.

Since graduating from Bath Spa University College in 2003, my experience of working as an artist has raised a number of questions about what I make and its creative context. This has proved to be a catalyst for the generation of new ideas. In a mass produced society, the craft and skill of a maker is, to me, ever more important. Materialism and sustainability are poignant topics and I am passionate to advocate their significance as they play a crucial role in my own decisions and lifestyle. As a maker it is my intention to incorporate these topics with ideas for new work and I am currently developing a technique inspired by the idea to re-use strips of clay from my thrown vessels to create a selection of handbuilt, patterned vessels and bowl forms. I am also interested in extending these ideas further by using creativity in developmental projects involving the community.

Rebecca Speculo

2007