PAST PROJECT
Pyres
I started to create work in response to the foot and mouth crisis in 2001.
I have tried to show the effect on both the farming and rural tourist industries by the outbreak of the disease. Many lives have altered dramatically and for them the legacy continues.
When I created the work I was asking questions trying to understand the events. I looked at the statistical data complied by the Government on the crisis. This research led to more artwork. Children at Ysgol Ardudwy, Harlech and Ysgol Eifionydd, Porthmadog contributed with poetry. I encouraged people to share their memories. I hope that reminding people of such an event will provoke the continued discussion into environmental issues.
Tanau
Dechreuais greu gwaith mewn ymateb i argyfwng clwy’r traed a’r genau yn 2001.
Ceisiais ddangos effaith y clwy ar y diwydiannau ffermio a thwristiaeth cefn gwlad. Mae llawer o fywydau wedi newid yn enfawr ac maent yn dal i deimlo effeithiau’r clwy
Pan oeddwn yn creu’r gwaith hwn, roeddwn yn gofyn cwestiynau er mwyn ceisio deall y digwyddiadau. Edrychais ar y data ystadegol roedd y Llywodraeth wedi ei gasglu ar yr argyfwng. Arweiniodd yr ymchwil hwn at greu rhagor o waith celf. Cyfrannodd plant yn Ysgol Ardudwy, Harlech ac Ysgol Eifionydd, Porthmadog gyda barddoniaeth. Anogais bobl i rannu eu hatgofion. Fy ngobaith yw y bydd atgoffa pobl o ddigwyddiad o’r fath yn ysgogi trafodaeth a fydd yn dal i fynd ymlaen ynghylch materion yn ymwneud â’r amgylchfyd.
I chose to make Urns, I felt that pit firing and Raku firing techniques had a poignant symbolism.
Raku
Pot
The urn was hand built using TS Flax paperclay with grog. I then
use oxides, copper and iron and a transparent raku glaze.
I find the reaction of the metals with each other, the glaze and the fire
creates a varied and interesting surface.
I create the urn forms and then burnished them to give the clay surface a soft sheen. The urns are then fired to 1000°c in a gas kiln. They are then ready to be pit fired.
I put a layer of around 4 – 6 inches of sawdust. I then place in the pots, which have been sprayed with oxide, copper usually. I sprinkle in more oxide over the pots in various places. I then cover the pots with soft dry garden brash or waste like dried fern fronds, bracken, and dry grass. I then layer wood creating a uniform layer to the top of the pit. I then make a small bonfire over the top with branches and whatever material I have left in the garden from the woody pruning pile. I start the fire and keep it going above the ground for a round 50 minutes and when it is burned down to ground level I cover the pit over with corrugated iron sheeting and leave for a couple of days to smoulder away. The pots come out fairly clean and I just give them a wipe with a damp cloth. If the surface is smooth and glossy I may apply a layer of good quality wax polish, which enhances the surface colour.
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