found clay – Bridget Macklin

Can Ceramic Art Be Sustainable?

I talk a lot of pompous guff about making art in response to the ‘reckless behaviour of man’? Yet, how can I claim to care for my planet and, at the same time, talk about artists needing to hold everyone to account for the damage we are doing to our World whilst, at the same time, making artefacts which will last for ever? Ceramics, more than most art media is guilty of adding to the problem so what right do I have to preach about it?

In an attempt to solve this dilemma I have been having conversations and trialling some new ideas: work which is still made with clay as the main material but where the clay is not fired. Technically, it isn’t ceramic as it never goes through the chemical changes which the kiln subjects clay to. The good thing is that it can be returned to the earth when finished with and won’t hang around until the end of time. The question that I am left with is, why would anyone buy something which could disappear in the next shower of rain?

I begin to think that I might be getting there. Recent experiments are looking quite promising.

It seems that polishing raw clay has been going on for centuries and Japanese Hikaru Dorodango, polished spheres from mud which are very beautiful and fetch hundreds of pounds so . . . .

Why Craft Festivals Are Good For Me.

Last weekend found me selling my wares at the Makers Cornwall Christmas Fair. Sixty or so stalls were set out and thousands of people visited. It was a long, tiring few days and I came home absolutely on my knees. By Sunday afternoon my head was banging, my body was fizzing and my feet were very sore. I was also hoarse from multiple conversations with potential purchasers and people interested in what I do.

So why do I subject myself to such a frenzy?

Firstly, it is a great opportunity to meet the people who appreciate your work. Handing a piece straight over to a smiling purchaser is very gratifying.

Secondly, it is a really good place to catch up with other makers. Creating in a home-based studio is often lonely. Sharing a weekend with like minded people is a great time to re-boot ones mood and have a bit of a sanity check.

Most importantly though, I had so many wonderful conversations this weekend. There were so many people who wanted to discuss ceramics, to talk specifically about what I do and to make enquiries about how to learn more. It is sometimes hard to know if you are getting it right and endorsements like this help hugely.

So, thank you – to the organisers, to the other exhibitors and most of all to the visitors to the fair – for making this a very memorable weekend.