Site Specific Artwork: Using a Local Clay Palette for Contemporary Architectural Project, Sevenoaks, Kent.
The client and I first met at the Cockpit Open Studios, where he bought a wall piece for his ceramics collection. We talked about his house rebuild and the site's clay-rich, varied soil.
I tested and fired clay which had been dug for the foundations, to see how the colours changed at different temperatures. Wanting to put the land’s basics into the building, we chose to embed the final piece in the outer wooden cladding. The dimensions meant the porcelain artwork work was created as one panel, then divided and reassembled, echoing the project as a whole.
pigmented porcelain cast onto plaster batts
The earthy tones, movement and surfaces suit the landscape and changing light, an important aspect to my ceramics. Some areas are glossy glazed while others are left vitrified, raw. The materials will interact with the elements, and have been fired to resist both cold and warm weather.
“Helen thrives when problem-solving. She bridges traditional techniques with modern pathways — inventive, professional, and generous in sharing her expertise.”
— Petra Börner, Artist & Illustrator
If you’re interested in commissioning a porcelain artwork, or wish to discuss a collaborative project, with me, do get in touch → and we can explore the possibilities, whatever the scale.
