Carolyn Tripp

Porcelain maker

©Julian Emsley

©Yeshen Venema

©Julian Emsley

©Yeshen Venema

Vessels of poetry in red and blue

Carolyn specialises in wheel throwing, slip casting and screen printing on ceramic
Her objects contain autobiographical lettering and illustration
She is inspired by life, lived experience and the human condition

"Ceramics make me happy," shares Carolyn Tripp. Deeply enjoying working with clay and its infinite possibilities, in 1998, upon finishing a BA (Hons) in ceramics from Camberwell College of Arts, Carolyn founded a studio with fellow graduates in Peckham, South London. Her primary techniques are throwing on the wheel with porcelain, screen printing on ceramic, and slip casting. Carolyn loves creating pieces that connect with the viewer, spark discussion and evoke memory. She decorates her works by collecting personal stories, observational drawings and patterns. These are all printed onto paper, then torn apart and reworked to be printed onto porcelain surfaces, creating abstract meaning. Carolyn has been based at Wimbledon Art Studios since 2019.

Interview

©Yeshen Venema

©Julian Emsley

How do tradition and innovation manifest in your work?: I express tradition through my making process, using a potter's wheel, and innovation through a handmade screen-printed ceramic transfer. From a distance, my work may appear to be quite traditional. However, on close inspection, a very modern surface will be revealed.
Do you remember the moment when you first thought of picking up this craft?: I dreamed of taking a creative class as a child, but was steered into more academic subjects at school. I finally attended an evening class aged 30 and still remember the magic of making my first piece – a bowl.
What do you suggest to young people who want to follow this path?: I always suggest taking a course that runs consistently over several days, as learning to throw takes time and practice, and you will achieve more by immersing yourself in it, rather than attending short weekly courses. I also recommend seeking out others who are further along the journey.
What is something unexpected about your approach?: Each piece is decorated on the base of the vessel as well as sides, which is unusual in most ceramics. I feel that each creation is lovingly wrapped in my thoughts. Another point is that not everything I make will be taken to the final stage.

Carolyn Tripp is a master artisan: she began her career in 1998 and she started teaching in 2004