Sheila Madder
I create slip cast coloured porcelain tableware inspired by the Slow Movement and Emotionally Durable Design. Firstly, I design a shape by turning plaster on a lathe or throwing clay on the wheel. A plaster mould is then created from this shape. I colour my own porcelain, and build up layers of coloured clay within the mould. The decoration is carefully carved into the clay layers often to resemble fingerprints where I would hold the pieces. The size and depth of the carving depends on the finger. The pots are then burnished and bisque fired. Once bisque fired, they are sanded smooth, glazed inside with a clear gloss, and fired to 1250°c. After high firing they are sanded once more to ensure a tactile smooth finish.
Slow Movement and Emotionally Durable Design:
The Slow Movement is a philosophy that advocates a cultural shift towards slowing down life’s pace. Savouring the hours and minutes rather than just counting them. Doing everything as well as possible, instead of as fast as possible. It’s about quality over quantity in everything from work, to food, to recreation. My work aims to create a connection with the user to the piece, causing the user to want to slow down and enjoy their food or drink.
Emotionally Durable Design is a philosophy created to aid in the reduction of waste, landfill, and consumption. The concept is to evoke a connection with the product to avoid the desire to replace it with the latest trend. I aspire to create this connection through the use of touch. The pieces have my “fingerprints” carved into them, creating a memory of the maker within the pottery. When the user drinks or eats from the piece, they feel the tactile sensation of the fingerprints carved in the ergonomic shapes of the pots. Over time and repeated use this can create a bond from the user to the piece, reducing the desire to replace it and therefore reducing landfill and waste.
