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. Photography has enabled me to captivate not only line and colour but also the unique mysterious quality of light.

The study of rocks, driftwood, coral and shells has led to many ideas for design work. Textures of these organic forms have been recreated from plaster moulds using bone china paper clay, a medium I devised during my Masters Research. Fragments of these have enabled me to introduce a delicate tracery of translucent texture into the work reminiscent of organic forms found in nature.

The "Arctic Light" series is a continuation of the Glacial Light series commenced in 2000, inspired by the stark beauty of Antarctica. This series explores the contrasts and variations of light through layers of textures found in nature, creating a dramatic effect when illuminated from above.

My most recent series "Ocean Light" has developed through an extensive study of artificial light sources to enhance the translucency of my bone china forms. This exploration was undertaken with lighting designer Urs Roth, through the support of Craftwest and lighting design specialist, Mondo Luce in 2003. This has been supported by an Australia Council Grant for New Work.

This collaboration has 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. I also began to view my work from a commercial perspective, which has proven an exciting challenge. The "Ocean Light" project has enabled me to realise the resolution of ten years extensive research.

Over the past few years I have also been experimenting with soluble salts to add colour to my work. The sky has been a constant source of inspiration and I have witnessed the most beautiful ever changing skies. The radiant colours and cloud formations have become the decoration on a series of Sky Bowls.

The effect of light on water has also been fascinating for me. Experiencing the coastal scenes around Australia has been awesome. The crystal clear blue sea has revealed a whole new palette. Painting with watersoluble colourants has enabled me to capture some of these colours in my Sea Bowl series.

All of my work is slipcast in bone china and fired to 1250° C in an electric kiln.

Angela Mellor
2006


Home Page	Artist's Statement	Biography	Exhibitions	Selected Galleries	Articles	Publications	Contact Details