Mourne
A functional range created to celebrate the home area of maker, Mourne.
The forms in this collections are all organic reflecting an element of nature, with the functional-ware taking on simple forms. This links loosely to the land and provides a peaceful canvas for the marks. The surface is used to juxtapose this, reflecting the harsh, weathered terrain of the area. The marks created are free and uncontrollable, used to add energy back into the forms. Linking to the weather and rough terrain of the area, the marks are beaten onto the pot and very quickly applied.
A key part of the mark application where the brushes used to apply them. Heading out into the area, bits of foliage where gathered, very small amounts from different plants. These were then taped to the end of a dowel, creating a natural brush, taking textures straight from theatre and applying them to the pots. These brushes were very uncontrollable and created fresh, unique surfaces. Putting an element of wild freedom into the work.
The collection also consisted of abstracted lines, taken from drawings completed out in the area, the lines were pulled apart, loosened and swept onto the pots. These added a visual aspect of the mountains without being a direct, cliche connection.
This work explores an aspect of balance. The soft forms rely on the surfaces for life, and the business of the surfaces relies on the softness of the forms. It is a constant harmony between surface and form. Much like in Mourne, there is harmony between the peace felt there and the harsh, physical landscape.
It was also important that the work be functional, and for the home. This way the work can surround people, and be a constant sign of the area. Acting as a way of bringing a bit of the natural world indoors.
Particularly to the artist, the work is a reminder not to take for granted what is in front of you. Having grown up in the area, it is often easy to forget what is on your doorstep, and this collection rekindled the makers love of the area. We can become immune to what is in front of us, and with this crimes dissatisfaction. It is important not to take things for granted and always enjoy what we have.
