The simplicity and texture of folded clay
- Jodi creates clay pieces that play with form and texture
- She employs a no rules approach to developing art
- Her handmade monochrome shapes take inspiration from the natural world
Although she comes from a family of makers, Jodi Walsh became an artist after a first career in marketing, when working closely with graphic designers scratched her creative itch. She started experimenting with textured art, beginning with polymer-based products normally intended for commercial use. Wanting more depth and deeper markings, Jodi discovered a greater potential in clay. While working with what was a completely new medium to her, she had a clear vision of what she wanted to create. Jodi’s pieces are distinctive through their use of black and white textures and minimalist forms. “I describe it as quiet work with big impact,” she says. Jodi has devised her own approach, which she named Oritatami Nendo, a merging of Japanese words that describes the process of folding clay.
Interview
- How has travel shaped your artistic journey?
- Travelling and living in other countries has made me who I am today. The new sights, smells, experiences, colours, textures and patterns of different countries such as Taiwan, Bangladesh, Africa, Europe and the Middle East open your mind to new possibilities.
- Where does your love of texture and patterning originate?
- My love of texture stems from my love of the outdoors. I make handmade and organic shapes, with natural colours and unique patterns on each piece. Working simply, without multiple tools, firings or hours of glazing, I am free to focus on markings and form.
- Describe your process
- I paint with slip and make marks on large slabs of clay. I prefer a slow firing technique. A key part of the process is feeling the temperature of the clay by touch. I use minimal tools, including a chopstick, knife, round wooden stick, hole maker, water, slab roller and kiln.
- What is the intention behind your art?
- I enjoy making unusual, interesting pieces that arouse curiosity about how they were constructed. The highest of compliments is to hear someone ask ‘what am I looking at?’ while they are viewing my work. My personal goal is to keep it simple.
Jodi Walsh is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1990
Where
Jodi Walsh
