FIONA REID CERAMICS
My Work
Clays and Firing
I have experimented widely with different clays and firing techniques. I fire my electric kiln to cone 6 as this the lowest energy option for vitrifying porcelain.Porcelain is technically uncompromising to throw with, encouraging its own discipline. It produces elegant thin walled pots that are also functional.
Decorating and Glazing
I am keen to use simple and easily available oxides (copper and iron) and simple glaze recipes using a minimally toxic and environmental approach to making. However, I love the effect of reduction firing on colours and so I have recently developed a true celadon aqua green iron based glaze, employing small amounts of silicon carbide for in glaze reduction of iron.I have experimented widely with decorative techniques from layering glazes for interesting chemical reactions to sgraffito (scratching through), merikomi (in-lay) and Chinese brushwork. Employing these techniques I use quick but accurate brushstrokes or mark making to articulate the feeling of energy and force involved in making.
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Folk Art
For designs ideas, I am increasingly interested in the folk art of North America, Scandinavia and Scotland, countries I’m connected to personally, and its symbolism exploring our relationships with the natural world.
The Bear
Using underglaze and a sgraffito technique i create my bear decoration. I am closely connected to Canada and Scotland where bears once roamed too. In celtic mythology she is a symbol of motherhood, as fierce protectors of their young. In Native North American culture the bear represents authority, good medicine, courage, and strength. The bear is said to be a healer and protector. In Norse mythology during visits to the human world, Odin as well as Thor often take on the appearance of bear as disguise. Therefore, bears tend to be looked upon as the forefathers of man in ancient times. Bears symbolize wisdom, strength and healing that bring balance to seen and the unseen world.
The Fish
I paint fish using a copper oxide wash and chinese brushwork. The oxide fluxes into the glaze and adds to the sense of motion in the subaquatic creature. In all three northern cultures the symbolism of fish is strongly connected to the water. Water is a powerful symbol of the depths of the unconscious. Ultimately, water is strongly connected to the idea of life and birth. As a water animal, the fish is linked to steadfast movement and independence. It represents the unconscious of higher-self, feelings, and motives. It is also a metaphor for deeper awareness and the intelligence and thought process. It symbolises birth and rebirth, fertility and the sacred feminine.
Rowan and Yew
The Rowan tree has a long, sacred history. Since ancient times people have been planting a Rowan beside their home as in Celtic mythology it's known as the Tree of Life and symbolises courage, wisdom and protection.
As an evergreen tree, the yew is symbolic of everlasting life and rebirth. I create these designs using underglaze brush work and sgraffito
Wood fired work
Once a year I assist Philip Revell with a wood firing in Dunbar we fire to cone 12 over a full weekend producing high fired stoneware with celadon, ash (from the fireplace in my home) and shino glazes. I love the natural and unpredictable results created from the flame licking the pots as it passes through the kiln.
