Jane’s work is an exploration, through materials and making processes, of her hope to find some control in an unpredictable, chaotic and troubled world. The contradiction between this desire and reality is explored through pieces in which form, texture and colour are metaphors. Each sculpture comprises elements which are meticulously made and refined and others which are more spontaneously made and organic, resulting in bold contrasts. A balance of discipline with risk and letting go, and acceptance that control is not always, perhaps rarely, possible.
Jane references landscape and the natural world when researching ideas. For example, chaotic geological folding, lava flows, rock falls and surfaces colonised by growing organisms all provide rich sources for physical metaphors. Ideas are translated, through wider research, drawing and experimentation into small series of related sculptures.
Technical information
Jane’s sculptures are hand-built or thrown and altered from white earthenware clay. They are biscuit-fired to 1100 degrees in an electric kiln. Muted earthenware glazes, coloured with oxides or commercial stains are applied by pouring or spraying, and the pieces are fired again, to 1080 degrees. Vivid acrylic colours are applied at the final stage of making.
Jane is working to improve the sustainability of her practice. She has a new, highly efficient electric kiln, which is only fired when full, and she has discovered, and started to use, a range of high-quality bio-based acrylics.
All ceramic work, text and site pages © Jane King