Deb TAYLOR

Artist's Statement
By Deb Taylor

What drew me to porcelain was the stunning interplay between light and the fine porcelain forms. I found the combination of the stark whiteness and translucency utterly captivating.

Whether it be my gutsy mortar and pestles or a set of fine bowls in Limoges porcelain, making tactile and functional pieces seems the most natural thing to me – pieces that become part of our lives, our feasts, our ceremonies and special experiences. Decoration is minimal at most, a dimple here, a groove there. Subtle interruptions to flow are sufficient to give each piece an appeal of it’s own. I believe quiet things have a strong presence that silently invite you to pick them up and enjoy them.

The porcelain lanterns are hand-built and formed in such a way that allows for a papery, organic appearance, which enhances their translucency. They stand in a brilliant cluster during daylight and transform into warm, glowing creations as night falls.

Adding contemporary porcelain jewellery to my range has been a lot of fun. The diversity of materials and media seems endless and I’m drawing on my love of porcelain, metals and the written word to create current work. The pendants are such a cool way to express one's self. I love it when total strangers ask to read what my pendant says and walk away with a smile.

Bio:
Since approximately 2001 I’ve been one of the potters in residence at the University of NSW in Kensington. This has given me the opportunity to enjoy and run a creative space, whilst introducing excited new students to the wheel.  
 
In 2007 I started teaching wheel-work classes for the Eastern Suburbs Evening College and continue to teach up to four classes a week. It’s great fun and so rewarding to see the students’ progress over the weeks. 
I developed a following at Paddington and Bondi Markets from 2001 – 2007 and now exhibit my work in places that are more appropriate to the value I place on them.

For me, porcelain is the most trying and, yet, the most beautifully rewarding material to work with. Limoges porcelain is the finest of materials with which to work. The feel of the unglazed, polished surface is incredibly smooth . . . almost flesh-like.

I feel that quiet pieces have a strong presence and I love to make vessels that quietly invite you to pick them up and hold them.  A dimple here and a groove there is my form of decoration. The addition of text is something that I’m really excited about and find myself constantly surprised by the things people chose to say to each other via my work. Words have such power and porcelain makes a perfect canvas. I like to think that my pieces become memorable parts of our lives, our feasts, our ceremonies and our intimate experiences.

Care Instructions:
Apart from the pieces with lustre decoration – all are ovenproof, microwave-proof and dishwasher-proof; however, as they’re all special objects, I would recommend washing in warm, soapy water individually.