Martin has always been fascinated by the Japanese idea of ‘beauty in imperfection’ and he takes huge pleasure in exploring the simple vessel and everything that it represents. In his most recent work, Martin takes a nuanced approach to the simple clay forms of jars and bowls as he reflects on what a major cultural change it must have been when we began to store and share food in those simple forms. Other new work grows in geological like layers, sometimes with quartz and precious stone or glass-looking inclusions – overlaid as if by running lava.
“What I am looking for in my work… lies in the essential beauty of individual pieces, which is subjective, difficult to define, control or repeat and has something to do with chance and coincidence.”
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“Through my education, practice and persistence I have developed a unique method with an aim of utilising the versatility of clay to its potential.”
“My making process is a daily repetition in a calm and quiet place. My work is a reflection of thoughts and sensibility in these moments of making.”
“I am wary of having a formula, thinking I have cracked the code… The feeling of satisfaction is surely my enemy. I need to stay focused on trying to create work that has real freedom in it, freedom from materials, method or mentality.”
“Central to my work is the concept of the vessel: creating associations with sharing, ritual and celebration, reminders of our humanity, our history and connection with nature.”