A series of large textured coil built paperclay vessels. The organic shape dictated by the intuitive hand building remotely reminds of primitive antique amphorae. The medium which is a mixture of reclaimed clay bodies fortified with cellulose fiber as well has a strong influence on the items' features.
The Isolation Cocoons series has started after the first few months of the pandemic restrictions. It was then when I began to spend more time in my studio and finally had freedom to create whatever my mind was up to. Not guided by any plans or custom orders. Or to just sit quietly and reflect, rather than rush in and make-make-make cups.
Unexpectedly I found myself really into coil building - a rather ancient free forming technique in ceramics where long clay coils are used to build vessels. Unlike my main method - wheel throwing - coil building is much slower and does not result in ideally round shapes. On the contrary, I find it very intuitive and mood-driven. Where the shape is influenced by the amount of material, the subtle changes in the walls direction, the way one attaches the coils to one another.
When I looked at these vases afterwards it stroke me how much they resembled cocoons. Organic structures for shelter and transformation. Something that many of us have come through during last year. Something that we as humanity may need to re-emerge out of isolation as a wiser, stronger and more eco-conscious community.
There are 6 Cocoons in the series so far. The longer the quarantine, the more vases there will be.
