Angela Mellor - Artist's Statement

My work investigates the translucency of bone china and its potential for the transmission of light.

I am deeply interested in the environment, landscapes, light and coastal environments are reflected in my work. Investigation into a variety of organic forms concerned with the landscape and the seashore is my main source of inspiration, leading to an exploration of tonal contrasts, textural effects and pattern. Of primary concern is an exploration of the light transmitting qualities of bone china and paperslip.

Glacial Light series was inspired by the stark beauty of Antarctica exploring the contrasts and variations light through layers of texture found in nature.

The Ocean Light series developed over eighteen months, through an extensive study of artificial light sources to enhance the translucency of the bone china forms. This exploration was undertaken with lighting designer Urs Roth through the support of Craftwest and Lighting design specialist, Mondo Luce. This project was supported by an Australia Council Grant for New Work, culminating in a solo exhibition at Craftwest, Perth, Western Australia.

This collaboration helped me to see my work, literally, in a new light – not just as works of art or sculpture, but also as objects of light, both decorative and functional. The Ocean Light project enabled me to realise the resolution of ten years extensive research. Now that I am back in the UK I aim to extend this research further by linking up with a lighting designer here.

The Celestial Light series captivates the light of the planets depicting the solar system located in the Milky Way, a spiral galaxy of celestial light.

Angela Mellor
2011