The contemporary British artist Sue Paraskeva begins her work with clay on a wheel, by way of a flame kiln, this form undergoes a transformational state to become porcelain - a white grained translucent body of white gold.
Paraskeva multidisciplinary conceptual practice comprises stand-alone pieces, installation, film and tableware, collectively defined by a distinct language. Underpinned by a rigorous and intuitive approach, iterations of thrown and altered porcelain vessels are created by reduction fired atmospheric changes; through ‘a kiln, which is a well-insulated box, dome or cylinder that saves and contains heat - without a kiln pottery has no heart’. * The intention is to explore material possibilities. Often pieces exist with a duality, a glaze is applied inside the object and left unglazed on the outer shell. A poetic fragility is at play, referring to our internal and external worlds. By throwing, altering, breaking, and re-joining the sculptural form, Paraskeva provides shape to the vulnerability and resilient strength that inhabit us.
In part, the work is an emotional release of experiences, giving voice to the unspoken word, leaving indelible marks on the visceral porcelain vessels. Art works are imbued with an elegiac sensibility expressing sorrow, especially associated to irreparable loss, as well as interpreting political issues from a female perspective.
* Potworks, Billie Luisi, Andre Deutsch, page 33, 1971
Extract from an In conversation with curator Samia Ashraf
