Rowena Gilbert

Searching for the perfect fusion of strong design, innovative style and spontaneous expression. The clay vessel is my bold canvas; strong, simple and unfussy in form. Layers of clay echo periods of time, memories; slow, controlled, ordered. The surface evokes moods, tensions, actions, reactions. My pots and bowls are slip-cast using a fine white clay body. The coloured clay layers (additions of metal oxides for reds and blacks) are brushed on or inlaid in incised lines and marks. The surface marks are created using various sgraffito tools when the clay pot is in a leather-hard state. I bisque fire to 1180°C or 1000°C then mask areas on the outside of the pot/bowl using wax or paper resist, glazing the unmasked areas with a transparent gloss with the final firing at 1120°C or 1220°C.