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View Image Gallery Items for SaleVictoria Dark(Full member)
Tel: +44 (0)1743 243632 Email: Web: www.cambridgegallery.co.uk
Artist's Statement
All my work is slip cast with porcelain; the qualities that one can achieve using this technique are an integral part of my work. I have specialized in raku for many years because it is one of the most challenging and demanding aspects of ceramics. Each piece is unique – it can never be repeated in the same way again. My work is based on responses to the landscape and I use the constantly changing sky as inspiration for my compositions. I have been developing a vocabulary that allows me to convey a wide range of ideas. The forms are kept simple so that they are not a distraction from the rich patterns and colors that are so suggestive of patterns of light. The network of fi ne lines that appear in the raku process become an integral part of the fi nished work. The surface becomes fragmented and seems to represent a quality suggestive of timelessness. The Japanese also valued these lines and would highlight the largest by fi lling them with gold leaf. My approach to these works is similar to that of a painter, but I prefer to use glazes and the raku process to achieve qualities that would be unobtainable in traditional paints and canvas. As a contrast to Raku, I wanted to work with the qualities of form. I designed a series of sculptural vessels, that when looked at from different angles, would appear to be a totally different object. Because of the complexity of these shapes, I use color judiciously. But I also wanted to continue to work with the delicate lines that randomly appear in Raku, so I decided to use a series of crazed glazes which give a network of large and small lines in satin and gloss whites. I have also introduced black in some sections to bring about a much stronger contrast, accentuating parts of the shapes on a limited range of pieces. Often the variations are quite subtle but are apparent if closely observed. In my Blue and White series of vessels, I wanted to work with strong bold shapes and to have one side glazed in a cobalt blue, contrasting it against the pure white surface . I cut sections out of the form which create a sense of movement. Again when seeing each side of the vessel there is an element of surprise as the form changes. Over the last couple of years, while maintaining the development of my previous work. I started a new way of working that enabled me to develop an exciting and sophisticated process, whereby I can use a wide variety of marks and patterns-which are then made into transfers. These transfers give another dimension to my work, as they can be laid over each other, and through multiple firings, can create the effect and composition that I want to achieve. The final outcome is a complex aesthetic of form combined with the painters freedom and visual agility. For me a perfect fusion of techniques.
Current Work
An extensive range of delicate vessels, plates and plaques. I also make
a range of traditional raku pots which are similar to the plates and
vessels. Prices range from £30 - £500. Alternatively, please contact the artist on her email address - victoriadark@hotmail.com
Comission Technical Information
Raku White Sculptural Vessels and Bowls Slip cast in a variety of different clay bodies, either a white earthenware or semi porcelain. Fired to a high temperature for the bisque - glazed in a variety of white glazes, some opaque , craze, or shiny and semi matt. Often several of these glazes are combined in one piece. Crazed areas are emphasised with permanent dyes. A black glaze is also used at times for a stronger contrast in the form. Blue and White Vessels Miniature and Large Vessels with Decorative Painterly Designs Slip cast in a semi porcelain or a high fired Earthenware clay body. White opaque shiny glaze Transfers fired low temperature- 850 centigrade. Transfers can be applied and fired many times.
History
Selected Exhibitions
1977 (July) - CUP BOWL AND PLATE COMPETITION, Mitchell Gallery, Southern Illinois University 1979 (Jan) - ILLINOIS CRAFTS-79, Illinois State Museum,
Springfield, Illinois; (Feb) PENSACOLA NATIONAL -79, Pensacola,
Florida; (April) M.F.A. THESIS EXHIBITION, Mitchell Gallery,
Carbondale, Illinois (July) GROUP EXHIBITION, Penthouse Gallery, San
Francisco, California 2007 SHREWSBURY ART GALLERY-ONE MAN SHOW, Shrewsbury, England. 2008 RAW SIENNA-GROUP SHOW, Knutsford, England 2009 CAMBRIDGE CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY, Cambridge, England Christmas Group Shows CAMBRIDGE CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY, Cambridge, England 2010 CAMBRIDGE CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY, Cambridge, England
Publications
1980 Studio Porcelain, London, Peter Lane |
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Contact DetailsStudio Address: 44, Roman Road, Shrewsbury, Salop, Shropshire, UK, SY3 9AS.View in Google Maps Telephone: +44 (0)1743 243632 Email: Web-site: www.cambridgegallery.co.uk Availability: Work can be seen only by appointment. Work Telephone: +44 (0)1743 280587 Last Updated: 2011-06-27 Work styles:
Wall Panels, Plaques |
