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Harlequin Gallery |
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Rachel Wood is an elected Professional
Member of the CPA, who graduated with a BA in Design (Ceramics) from
Loughborough University School of Art & Design four years ago. This
marked a change of direction for Rachel, as she had gained her first degree
in Modern Languages in the 1980's. Rachel's pots are more decorative than
functional but are all based on vessel forms. They are made with stoneware
clay, using both throwing and assembling techniques and are fired in an
electric kiln at 1260 C. When I first saw them I was struck by their affinity
with pottery from the ancient Japanese wood-fired kilns due to the glazing
techniques Rachel uses. The combinations of vanadium pentoxide slip and
barium carbonate glaze results in thirsty pots that have a dry and parched,
yet warm and rich surface. Rachel says
that she has a need to try and convey something of her spirit into her work.
"I hope to give it life and vigour through the throwing, the handling
when wet, the fingerprints from the glazing and the
holding when fired." I believe she succeeds in her aim and hope you will
agree. She first
exhibited at the Harlequin Gallery in July 2004 and following the
exhibition's success a selection of Rachel's work will continue to be
available through the gallery. Below are two items of Rachel’s work currently available at the gallery. |
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