Matthew Chambers

Ceramicist

©Matthew Chambers

©Steve Thearle

©Julian Winslow & Steve Blaimere

©Steve Thearle

Finding his path in life through clay

Matthew's inspirations include abstract artist Bridget Riley
His clay sculptures are comprised of many different layers
He throws each layer individually on a potter’s wheel

School didn’t suit Matthew Chambers, and he left without any idea of what career he wanted to pursue. But when he stumbled into a job as assistant to potter Philip Wood in his home village in Somerset, UK, he discovered a passion for making. Wood gave him the time and opportunity to learn and improve, and Matthew gradually fell in love with the skill of throwing clay. After seven years making functional pieces he still had a “hunger to learn”, so he went to art college where he started to experiment with form and sculpture. He now makes abstract spherical sculptures on the Isle of Wight, where he has lived and worked since 2004 when he received a bursary to use studio space there.

Interview

©Julian Winslow

©Simon Avery

How did working with Philip Wood help you?: He was a good mentor, very patient with my learning, pushing me in the right way and allowing me to develop rather than trying to force me to do anything I wasn’t ready for. When I decided to apply for a degree course he gave me his full support.
Why did you move from functional work into sculpture?: When I went to college, the idea was to develop my own style of functional pottery. But I started experimenting more, getting into form and looking at sculpture and constructivist art, and that’s what drew me away from function.
How do you approach your work now?: I’m very much a forward thinker – why just do what’s been done before? Take a traditional technique and do something new with it. Clay is such a versatile medium, you can do so much with it. The possibilities are pretty much endless.
What do you love about what you do?: I just love making, it’s the process really, I love seeing the work grow as I am constructing it. I never get bored of it, however repetitive my work is, which I think must be something in me. Then when you open a kiln and something’s fired very well, it’s a real bonus.

Matthew Chambers is an expert artisan he began his career in 1993