Clare Conrad
Artwork for Clare Conrad
Details
How would you describe the work you do and why?
Wheel-thrown stoneware ceramics with innovative, experimental surface decoration using layered vitreous slips. These are mixed from raw materials with primary glaze stains resulting in an infinite array of subtle colours. Initial inspiration was from a college trip to Venice while studying on the ceramics degree course at Bristol; the peeling surfaces of the sun-faded, painted, weathered walls of the buildings entranced me. I've been obsessed with texture and colour ever since. I make simple, elegant forms, which are then decorated to celebrate aging artefacts, and dramatic land and seascape.
For you what does being an artist mean?:
Being alive, fascinated by my surroundings, and fulfilled; hoping to convey my observations, and that my pots will create a sense of calm.
Describe what you call yourself/your practice?:
ceramicist/artist potter
Your practice & activities include e.g workshops, teaching:
I work in a small studio with my wheel and an electric kiln. It is very time-consuming, the eighteen processes involved mean that my output is quite low.
CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice:
1964-66 Art Foundation/A levels course (ceramics, painting, art history) - Braintree College of FE, Essex
1984-87 BA(hons) Ceramics 2:1 University of the West of England, Bristol
Exhibitions in the last 3 years:
2025 Flock Gallery, Kington - with Daniel Crawford paintings
2024 Porthminster Gallery , St Ives, Cornwall - "Spotlight"
2024 Gallery 57, Arundel, West Sussex - "Cloth and Clay"
2023 Velarde Gallery, Kingsbridge, Devon - "A Passionate Nature"
2023 Bircham Gallery, Holt, Norfolk - "Summer Show"
2023 Bevere Gallery, near Worcester - "Featured Maker"
2023 Hay Castle, Hay on Wye, Powys - "The Castle in Colour"
Your gallery outlets/stockists:
Contemporary Ceramics Centre, London
Porthminster Gallery, St. Ives, Cornwall
Bircham Gallery, Holt, Norfolk,
Bevere Gallery, near Worcester