CB
Charlotte Barker Ceramics
  
 
    Artists Statement    

 
Charlotte’s initial inspiration comes from the found object. She is drawn to lost or discarded objects and finds enjoyment in the collection of these precious relics and images. Whatever catches her eye is collected or photographed. Special attention is paid to the effects of the elements and rusty and broken items are most essential.
 
“I like how the seemingly insignificant can spark an idea. Peeling paintwork, a rusty sardine can, a squashed badge all stir up in me a sentiment of once belonging, of once being a special item and of once being new. This quality has parity with all existence. Quite simply just as once we were at one time brand new, time and the elements age and wear us leaving impressions and marks that make us who we are today.”
 
Once in Charlotte’s possession these items are then utilized in a variety of ways. All items are photographed, and then selected items are used for sketching whilst others are for colour and surface texture inspiration for glazes.
Charlotte’s sketches, mainly in inks and pastels are intended to be as simple and as fresh as possible which in turn is a style conveyed into her ceramics.
 
This approach allows spontaneity to be the very foundation of her work.
 
The glazes are sometimes quite simple using just engobes whilst other pieces are finished in a complex layering process, scratching and wiping back the surface with several firings to best capture the aging process.
 
“Through these lost or discarded objects the piece can begin with a sense of past and history; what was it for; whom did it belong to; how many people have touched upon the item; when did it start to decay; and where did that dent come from;”
To complete the process the items are combined and assembled with other lost items to become something new yet again.
 
“It is ordinary to love the marvellous; it is marvellous to love the ordinary.”