Using traditional and experimental techniques I create work in response to the people and places I encounter. I incorporate found and foraged materials in the clay, experimenting with combining materials. I create Figurative Sculptures, Goddess totems, Narrative Large Sgraffito bowls, Beakers decorated with floral impressions and Sgraffito and Decorative vessels.
I feel most at home with Clay in my hands, using found materials as tools to shape and form it. I am fascinated by figurative and narrative Ceramics. My process involves combining environments with construction and expression. People and places inspire me: I sketch, I forage, collecting images, recording feelings, emotions, experiences and stories. I like to work on location using the existing space to physically texture the clay as I work. I use reclaimed chimney pots and timber to create the plinths for the larger pieces
I work in a variety of clays, there is something exciting about discovering what each body can do, it’s unique personality although I tend to work in white or black clays to allow the greatest impact when I add colour. My sketches, memories, my conversations with people and the Feminine and Pagan Mythos form powerful influences. When working I surround myself with notes, drawings, and loud music. Once I start manipulating the clay body, the result is a collaboration between my hands and the clay itself; it picks up my gestures and moods, responding and revealing itself. The tactile qualities of clay allow me to make dramatically changes as the final sculpture or drawing evolves. This process brings me joy and I hope that joy is conveyed within the final piece.
I graduated from Farnham in 1985 where I studied Ceramics and Photography. I have always practised as an artist and since retiring a little early from teaching Art I am delighted to be a full time Artist. I am a member of the Anglian Potters and the Norwich Art Shop Collective
This year is busy I am exhibiting at several specialist ceramic events including Celebrating Ceramics at Waterperry Gardens, Potfest in both Glynde Place and Melton Mowbray, Only Clay in Sheffield, Raveningham Sculpture Trail, and several Anglian Potters exhibitions including the Christmas exhibition in Cambridge, the Undercroft in Norwich and at the Ferini Gallery. and local Galleries around Norfolk. I have work at the Norwich Art Shop, my first stand at Blackthorpe Barns this Christmas and I regularly participate in the Nightfair Market events selling my ceramics.
I am delighted to be a Guest Maker at DesignerMakers21 and to be able to create in such a wonderful environment with the other fabulous artisans here. During my time here I will be experimenting with new clays and creating new work in response to the building, the atmosphere and the local area. I am most looking forward to getting to meet the artists and the people who come to DM21
“A moment of calm; toes connecting with the soil, the sand, the sea. Eyes closed, listening, breathing deep, I breathe in the green of leaves, the musk of bark, the sea: I am whole, I am home”
Contact Elaine:
Email: humplebye@gmail.com
