In pursuit of alchemy

Description

In pursuit of alchemy – magic words from a poem by Chris about motherhood. The lines on the ceramic artwork read:

She takes pain deep into her own soul

Holding it level like molten metal

In the knowledge that some must spill

All she can do is whisper her ancient words

In pursuit of alchemy

How we made this artwork

These words by Chris, from a full poem, are stamped into the slab cut stoneware clay, along with an image that is sketched into the clay by Michaela. We love the opportunity that these words bring to reflect on parenting, love, hope..

Michaela hoped to capture some of this feeling by sketching a hand holding a heart.

All words on seatree work are from Chris’s poetry, some published, some not yet published.

The edges of the clay plaque are smoothed and the piece is put to dry between plasterboards, to keep it flat while drying. Once dry, it is fired with other work in the electric kiln to 1000 degrees and then underglaze is used to pick out the lines and colours and bring the piece to life.  It is then fired again to 1240 degrees and this takes a couple of days for firing and then cooling.

Each pottery plaque is approximately 13cm x 9cm with a hanging system on the back.

We love to make these ceramic artworks and they are very popular, especially as each one is unique. The words are chosen from the poetry and then this inspires the lines, sketches, textures and marks – and later, the colours. Both of us are involved in the glazing process – the time where the drama or detail or subtlety gets added. It is a satisfying process and also lovely for us to make a piece of art that we can price at an accessible price – although some people do collect a few to display together!

We love to see where the small artworks end up being displayed and we know they make lovely gifts too – where will this one be hung?