Trish Vaughan
Artist Statement:
The foundation of my ceramic practice lies in a deep appreciation for both the earth and the transformative power of the kiln. I am fascinated by the ability of clay to take on new life—from a raw, malleable material to a permanent, beautiful object. In wheel throwing and hand-building, I embrace the imperfections and unique character that come from a direct connection with the clay. My forms are often inspired by the fluid, undulating shapes found in nature, such as water, clouds, landscapes, plant life and modern graphics.
Glazing is a crucial part of my creative process, where I approach the surface as a canvas. I layer and blend glazes to achieve a sense of depth and movement, often resulting in rich, multi-tonal effects that evoke nature or celestial bodies. Whether it's a meticulously carved pattern, sgraffito, or a spontaneous splash of color, I am constantly exploring the interplay of glossy versus matte and smooth versus texture.
My pieces range from functional tableware to purely decorative forms that exist for contemplation. Ultimately, my goal is to create unique objects that are not only aesthetically compelling but also tell a story of their own making—a story of intention and of the hand that shaped them.
I also enjoy watercolor, acrylic and mixed media painting when clay is not beckoning me to dig in and play.
