Clare Stephens creates vessels which have dialogue with each other, and their surroundings. Encouraging interaction visually and by touch, eludes to human values of empathy, acceptance and unity, opening up conversations and communication about important values. Interaction with others, materials and objects are mirrored by her pieces when engaging physically, spatially, emotionally, and spiritually with them.

Clare uses various local wild and brick clays specific to geology and their environment, Bristol Shortwood brick clay is local to her. It’s natural beauty, enhanced by its texture and imperfections much the same as us. Brick clays are frequently overlooked, undervalued and taken for granted throughout history, mirrored by experiences of some women throughout history. She uses glazes to enhance pieces’ natural beauty and form, emphasizing the natural unglazed surfaces. Forms reflect empathy, fragility with strength, qualities abundant in women, yet frequently under-valued but also the most beautiful and lasting.

Interacting with clay, mind and hands or body are in unison, responding to each other paralleling aspects within Clare’s previous midwifery career, providing wholeness to her work.
 

Wheel thrown glazed earthenware vessel made from local Bristol Shortwood Brick clay.

 

This piece gives a contemporary dimension to traditional vessels, alluding to the timelessness of ceramics, how it has accompanied us throughout history, mirroring women's place of holding families, societies and cultures. Made of unprocessed brick clay, it has natural imperfections and texture adding to, rather than reducing its value and attractiveness, again resonating with women and their infinite worth as well as individuality.

 

Brick is a beauty clay, often not noticed, just walked by, yet its strength and qualities have underpinned and provided safety and shelter for all people. It is rarely thought of as a material to make sensitive feminine pieces, however this vessel demonstrates sensitively, durability and the capacity to hold and treasure whatever is put inside; its multiple handles also allow it to be easily accessed and invites interaction. The glaze adorns it, complementing its form, not hiding the beauty of what is beneath.

 

There are many parallels with women and their continued place in all societies and cultures.

Glazed Earthenware 

16x21x16cm