Sandy LockwoodNew South Wales, Australia

Statement

The material qualities of clay are essential to my work. They provide a vocabulary for expressing a language of rich textures, rhythms and tactile sensation.

Dry cracked earthy stoneware slabs contrast with refined and fluid salt glazed porcelain to expresses the transience of life and delicate balance of nature. I seek to express both movement and stillness that echo the natural world, and provide a testament to the effects of time.

I work at the edge of my medium by pushing the capabilities and tolerance of clay in search of a subtle nuance or essence of expression. I am seeking to capture an elusive 'rightness' that expresses an elusive embodiment of life's energy.

All my work is wood fired and salt glazed. Most of the clays I use are made from Australian raw materials which I blend and mix myself. I also use Southern Ice and Limoges porcelain. Each clay has particular qualities which, when combined with wood firing and salt, produce varied and intriguing surfaces that are an essential part of my work.

I have two main kilns. Each has a different design and 'personality.' One kiln is fired for two days and the other for one day using Australian Eucalyptus wood. Coarse salt is introduced at high temperature to provide surfaces ranging from shiny through to subtle matte color flashings.