Jo Walker
Material: Ceramics | Location: Scotland
Working from my home pottery studio in Fife, I throw most of my work on the potter’s wheel but also hand build more challenging pieces. I enjoy the tactile experience of working with clay, particularly when decorating. The most significant aspect of my design process is my use of the technique of sgraffito. Once the clay is partially dry, it’s coated in contrasting liquid clay (slip). The designs are then scratched through the coloured slip to reveal the white clay body beneath.
This method of working creates a visual contrast and adds intricate details to my pieces. My work is strongly influenced by the forms found in modernist architecture, appreciating their simplicity and pared back nature. This influence serves as a foundation for my decorative approach.The surface of each piece becomes a canvas for intricate geometric patterns, to create a visually dynamic composition. I patchwork various designs together, resulting in a complex surface with a fragmented quality. The interplay of these patterns invites viewers to explore the details and discover new elements within the design. I leave the surface unglazed, enhancing the visual impact of the monochrome patterns and providing a tactile quality.While the surface remains unglazed, I introduce colour through a glossy glaze lining the interior of each piece. This provides a striking contrast to the matt, monochrome surface and creates bands of vibrant colour. It also establishes a distinction between the exterior and interior, adding depth and visual interest to the overall piece.
I aim to combine clean and simple forms with intricate geometric patterns, resulting in pottery that is visually engaging and thoughtfully crafted. My work seeks to evoke a sense of quiet contemplation while inviting viewers to appreciate the precision and complexity of the designs.