My visit to the V&A on 21/4/23 was mostly concentrated on the fourth floor where their large ceramic collection was in. I took evidence of several pieces that I found interesting and recorded what I thought would be influential to my practice during unit 3 and unit 4.
All three vases (Fig. 1 & 4) are different works with similar bodies and floral design in their own respective style. It makes me imagine the possibility of depicting the same thing alongside other artists with different styles. I found interest in these vases since I often create similar bodies but never considered the possibility of acrylic painting designs onto ceramic pieces or the idea of adding moulds to a vase.
Fig, 2, although originating from Germany, reminds me a lot of Mexican pottery, specifically to the choices of coloured slips on terracotta / earthenware ceramic and the design chosen. This realisation made me focus more in Mexican pottery which became the biggest influence for Unit 3 and 4 ceramic projects. Shortly after seeing this piece, I looked at more German pieces to see a similarity and found this simple and colourful design quite common across the V&A’s German ceramic collection. I also attempted to look for more Mexican pottery and was able to find very few pieces (maybe around 4) in the entire V&A.
Sketchwork
Evidence of my sketchbook work during my V&A visit along with notes, the piece’s information, and anything else that I found important to write down.
Influential Piece: Listening to the waves
A piece I found interesting in the contemporary artist collection was this piece called Listening to the Waves by Takayuki Sakiyama in 2022, Japan. This stoneware piece with sand glaze was really beautiful and elegant at the same time, and it was moving to me since it was supposed to mimic the movement of oceanic waves.
"His swirling stoneware vessels evoke the unending rhythm of the waves. The intricately carved exterior and interior are seamlessly joined and finished with a unique sand glaze that he has developed using local materials"
I truly found inspiration in this piece because the artist ties his work to his home and brings such an emotional connection and personal connection to this piece. Without showing and saying too much, he successfully portrays his idea of rhythmic waves to the eyes of the viewer with just the movement and design of his piece.