Alison Kay

Ceramicist

©Cyril Byrne

Merging form and surface

Alison creates smoke fired ceramic sculptures
She imbues her objects with energy
Her vessels have a presence

Clay has been the central force in Alison Kay’s creative practice for over 40 years. Her contemporary sculptural forms contain echoes of ancient influences. They evoke a feeling of connectedness, an essence emanates from the work, reaching out to the viewer. They are pieces which seduce the mind and eye. Each object is mindfully constructed, until Alison is satisfied with its form and finish. Through her contact with the object she transfers an energy and vibrancy into the work. She has gained acclaim for her craft nationally and internationally. She has featured in exhibitions in Shanghai, London, New Jersey, and has two pieces in the collection of the National Museum of Ireland.

Interview

©Cyril Byrne

©Cyril Byrne

What are your sources of inspirations?: My deep interest in plants and the natural world has fed into my work. Inspiration comes from diverse sources; the shape of seed pods, aerodynamic forms, car designs, space capsules, the atmospheric impact on surfaces.
How do you make your forms?: I use coils of clay to build the form, then gradually scrape back the surface until I have achieved a symmetry and resolution with the piece. I apply layers of Terra Sigillata which I polish to a fine sheen.
How do you achieve your surface patterns?: After the biscuit firing, I apply a resist pattern to the surface of the piece. The piece is smoke fired, giving it an aged metallic effect. The piece is then cleaned and finally bees wax is applied and the surface is polished.
What drives you to make work?: I love the opportunity to express myself through clay and to hopefully give pleasure to others who engage with my work. From start to finish, my ceramic pieces can take at least a month to complete. Making a piece is an act of love and dedication.

Alison Kay is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1975