Peter Beard’s work has been loosely inspired by flat textured surfaces in stone, both man-made and natural, and is a continuation of his exploration of form and colour. Integrating more complex patterns to his usually wax resist techniques, Peter will also be going in a slightly new direction in the forms and techniques of his ground work.
Wax resist technique is layering glaze and painting patterns in wax between the layers to create pattern and texture with the wax burning away in the kiln. Peter builds to 1cm thickness and glazes his pieces up to three times before grinding away at the surface to reveal the colours and patterns formed within the structure, starting coarse and going finer until the surface is silky smooth. This process means that the works can take up to six months to make.
“I hope people will get pleasure from my work over many years and continually see new areas of beauty within the surface. To have a timeless quality.”
“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.”
