Black and white textured volcanic vase with black clay 'rocks' and iron filings

Alison Lousada specialises in creating distinctive and individual stoneware vessels. They investigate the collaboration between the domestic bellied form and the broken fragile painted surface. Using a combination of stoneware course clays and porcelain, pieces are repeat fired resulting in cracked and blistered finishes. The addition of volcanic engobes and lava stone deepen the textured and disrupted veneer which is so integral to her practice. Inspiration & Influences: Travelling, Icelandic landscapes, vintage ceramics, 1970’s German pottery, the material itself, chemical reactions in the kiln, Japanese ceramics, wabi sabi, imperfection, porosity, textures, volcanic rock, rule breaking, domestic vessels, African milk pots, cracked surfaces, bellied forms. Monochromatic and natural tones, areas of pastel, gold lustre highlights Textures: rough and smooth, Matt and shine, raw unglazed clay, sharp edges, scratched and scored. Technique & process: All vessels are hand built and/or wheel thrown. Pieces go through multiple firings, layering glazes and volcanic engobes, the form is the canvas, painted, brushed on, poured on, porcelain applied with a palette knife, shrinkage creates cracking. Volcanic rock melts and blisters in with the glaze.