Irish ceramicist Sara Flynn spent six weeks at Liverpool Hope University, using the time to develop her career and to fully participate in academic life during the residency.
During her residency, Sara mentored students, gave talks, demonstrations and a tour at a coinciding exhibition at the Bluecoat Display Centre. She also created a collaborative piece with Hope graduate Naomi Robinson and tutor Alan Whittaker.
“Concentrating on the challenges of thrown forms which are then altered and changed at varying stages of the drying process, I produce domestic-scale Sculptural Decorative Vessels.
My love of Form, Line and Volume is expressed through the qualities and scope of my chosen material, which is porcelain. Of great importance is the potential of new and exciting edges, contours and shapes which can be explored through an understanding of the material’s qualities and my increasing skill.
The thrown forms are often cut, reassembled, pushed and pulled; scratched and scraped. They evolve in the same way as sketches do – with silhouettes and lines revisited, adjusted and tweaked.
Surface quality is absolutely critical; I research extensively to find the best glaze for the form; or vice-versa.”
– Sara Flynn