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
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.
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.
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.
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.
