Potters
Potters
Selected Members:
Potters / Ceramicists
Alphabetical IndexBritish & Irish
International
Browse Images
Styles of Work
Latest Updates
Course Providers
Image Directory
Other Information
Comprehensive DirectoryArchived Members
Assoc'ns & Guilds (UK)
Assoc'ns & Guilds (Intl.)
Graduates 2007 - 2008
by Association
Resources
Submission DeadlinesResidencies
Suppliers
How to Join & Update
Classifieds
View Image Gallery Items for SaleJanette Fry(Full member)
Email: Web: www.janettefryceramics.co.uk
Artists StatementI make brightly coloured ceramic bowls to be displayed and admired or used every day. They are designed to look good together as a collection, although the personal attention given to each individual bowl means that every one is slightly different and has its own unique personality. I also make small ceramic sculptures that have both figurative and narrative elements to them. I like to explore a variety of themes and try to express that which cannot be put into words; a moment in time, fleeting memories, a conversation. I think of my ceramics as having a life of their own, of breathing or waiting; perhaps having the sense of someone wrapped in side, wriggling around, or quietly watching. Sometimes it is not until I have completed a piece that I realise what it represents, sometimes I am never quite sure. My 'potters mark' is the raised double spiral symbol on the side of each piece of work. It evolved from the J and F of my initials.
Current WorkI have recently developed a range of brightly-coloured ceramic bowls. First of all I gave a lot of thought to the exact shape I wanted them to be and then I experimented with many different colour combinations and patterns before choosing the ones that I believe work best together. I add a fine line of slip around the inside of the bowl, where it is likely to be filled to, allowing for extra interest here. The larger the bowl, the more lines it has, hence they can be collected in different sizes or different colours. I am now working on some larger statement pieces to go with them. Technical InformationI throw my bowls using white earthenware clay. I then turn a foot-ring at the leather-hard stage, attach my potter's mark, and decorate with coloured slips. I use chinese calligraphy brushes as I like my brush marks to look 'free'. I fire the bowls to a high bisque and then glaze and fire again in an electric kiln. I make my ceramic sculptures from slabs of stoneware clay which I mark first with a variety of tools and found artefacts. I then tear off sections of the clay slab twisting and joining them at random. I like the glaze on these to look weathered so I either use high temperature dry glazes that look a bit like peeling paint or low temperature crackle glazes which allow the surface details to show through whilst still maintaining an aged appearance. I often fire a piece of work several times using different temperatures until I am happy with the look and feel of it. Occasionally I add images onto the surface using ceramic decals which may reveal more about the meaning of the piece. I may also give it a smoke firing and, occasionally, add a touch of gold leaf. History and BackgroundI originally trained as a Graphic Designer at Portsmouth College of Art. After that I worked for a while as an archaeological illustrator before moving to London where I worked as a Graphic Designer and Production Manager for several Design Groups producing magazines for schools, holiday brochures and other promotional material. I then became a ‘freelancer’ designing layouts for many of the well-known magazines such as Just 17, Hello and Ideal Home as well as The Daily Mirror and Sunday Express. I then went to evening classes at Elmwood Pottery in South London and developed a passion for working with clay. After a while I realised that I wanted to do more and I managed to get a place at Camberwell College of Art. After three years study I graduated with a degree in 3D design of ceramics. I was fortunate to have both Carol McNickol and Ewen Henderson as my personal tutors and I was taught to throw by Colin Pearson and Steve Parry. I have continued working with clay for the past eighteen years, supplementing my income by teaching pottery and running workshops and Art Clubs.
Exhibition HistorySeptember 2011: Merton Arts Trail |
Profile Image
View Image Gallery Selected Images
Contact DetailsStudio Address: 103 Graham Road, Wimbledon, London, UK, SW19 3SP.View in Google Maps Email: Web-site: www.janettefryceramics.co.uk Availability: My studio is based at home in Wimbledon. You are welcome to visit during studio open days or other times by appointment. Please contact me by email to make an appointment. Joined on: 2008-05-27 Last Updated: 2012-08-09 Work styles:
Stoneware |
