Sarah-Jane Selwood
| Sarah-Jane received a Scottish Arts Council Professional Development Award |
Sarah-Jane is a ceramic artist and in her own words she describes her work with clay...
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"My interest in clay began as a child, it developed through art college and has continued to fascinate and challenge me. I set up my studio in 1992 and have combined a career as a potter with being a lecturer at Edinburgh College of Art and more recently a mother. |
Over the years my work has been exhibited in galleries both nationally and internationally and is now included in major collections such as:
- The V&A Museum, London
- Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche Faenza, Italy
- The World Ceramic Exposition Seoul, Korea
From wet clay on the wheel to hard ceramic after firing the journey a pot takes always inspires me. A simple bowl thrown on the wheel is reconstructed, an origami of clay created. Repeated cut lines become new curves within the form.
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The method is calculated and performed with precision, yet the outcome always surprises and the element of risk and chance remains. I like to work within a set of self-imposed constraints, rules which I can challenge and stretch but whose structure continues to offer limitless possibilities. |
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In 2008 I was invited to participate in a residency in Fuping, Shaanxi Province, China. I received funding from the Scottish Arts Council which enabled me to accept this opportunity. The aim was to produce a group of pieces for the new British Pavilion in the Museum of World Ceramics. |
Materials and facilities were different and challenged me to think of new solutions. The local clay and method of firing in the factory tunnel kiln suited my ideas and inspired a more simple approach to form. Working with other artists, British, Belgian and Chinese gave opportunity for discussion, exchange of ideas and techniques and above all support and encouragement.
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Communication and exchange of ideas is essential to an artist and benefits the work and the person tremendously. The intensive period of studio work meant my ideas developed quickly and in new directions, which I am now keen to pursue further. |
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Recent 2009 exhibitions in which my work was featured include “Collect” at Saatchi Gallery London, and 5th World Ceramic Biennale, Korea. My work is available in UK galleries including the Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh and Contemporary Applied Arts, London. |