Shannon Tofts
The feel of raw clay in my hands is a prime motivation for making, a physical connection to the physical world around me; a visceral process trying to reveal the inexpressible.
The nature of clay allows it to reflect the formation, erosion and weathering of the land we live on; of the passage of humans across the surface of our planet.
My work is an expression of myself as an individual within the human history of the material. It is grounded in the controlled forms of functional vessels whilst releasing the pieces from constraints of function by the ruptured textured surfaces. It speaks of the tensions and balance between a container and its contents.
My work is hand formed. I use stretching techniques, contrary to the compressive methods associated with traditional clay practice, which allow the natural textures of the material to develop. I am looking for balance between maker and material. Clay is a broad and complex medium requiring knowledge of its chemistry. In the spectrum of understanding it, I like to work between science and alchemy where unexpected things can happen, and give glimpses into the mystery of existence.
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