Earth Medicine: Asclepius and Scarabaeus
Deeply rooted in our relationship to the earth, and the material substance of the landscape around us, Earth Medicine: Asclepius and Scarabaeus is a body of work hinting at archeological treasures, the passing of time, sacred, alchemical processes, earthly qualities, natural medicines and transformative healing. A sacred element was introduced through the quiet presence of small, hand made pewter and ceramic 'dung beetles' Scarabaeus sacer signifying transformation, and life/death cycles.
As a body of work, the themes explored here are part of the artist's overarching, ongoing preoccupation with 'landscape', the Sublime, and with humankind's ease and disease with the natural world.
Deeply rooted in our relationship to the earth, and the material substance of the landscape around us, Earth Medicine: Asclepius and Scarabaeus is a body of work hinting at archeological treasures, the passing of time, sacred, alchemical processes, earthly qualities, natural medicines and transformative healing. A sacred element was introduced through the quiet presence of small, hand made pewter and ceramic 'dung beetles' Scarabaeus sacer signifying transformation, and life/death cycles.
As a body of work, the themes explored here are part of the artist's overarching, ongoing preoccupation with 'landscape', the Sublime, and with humankind's ease and disease with the natural world.
The copper coils around the neck of the vessels suggests the Rod of Asclepius from Greek mythology, a serpent-entwined rod wielded by the Greek god Asclepius, a deity associated with healing and medicine.
The forms were designed be organic in creation and appearance, have a low environmental impact during their production, (in terms of energy usage, resources, transportation of materials), and avoiding the use of harmful or poisonous chemicals. They lean heavily on methods of ceramic production used by the indigenous pueblo potters of North America, embodying a profound respect for the natural world.
Technically, some forms were hand built into moulds cast from equipment found in a modern chemistry laboratory, whilst others reference ancient medicinal vessels. Using an ancient, chemical free glazing technique called Terra Sigilatta, combined with hand burnishing, avoided the need for modern chemical glazes. The clay is from a famous local deposit which was used to make Watcombe Pottery, and the technique of low temperature, outdoor smoke-firing emulates the black fired techniques of pueblo potters such as Maria Martinez.
The Small scarab beatles, created in both pewter and ceramic, refer to the death, birth and transformation mythology of ancient Egypt, and is a device found in the work of Pierre Bayle.
Hand Built, Smoke Fired Ceramics
Watcombe terracotta clay
Terra Sigilatta glazing
Silver and gold leaf
Pewter and Ceramic scarabs
Dimensions variable