The freedom of making
- Sue describes ceramics as a calling
- Her work has been exhibited in many galleries
- She has an aspiration for truth and simplicity
Sue Paraskeva knew she was meant to be a ceramicist the first time she sat on the wheel, and she has enjoyed all stages of the making process ever since. Growing up in a place surrounded by the bottle kiln industry might be a reason why she so fondly loves kilns, to the point of recently building her own wood-fire kiln. From making tableware for brands such as Calvin Klein and for Michelin-starred pub The Hand and Flower, to creating art installations exhibited in arts centres and galleries, Sue works across various domains, always putting truth, simplicity and integrity at the centre of her work. Ceramics is about balance, she says, and looking after your body is a core aspect of it, as wheel life can be very demanding.
INTERVIEW
At university I was taught by renowned potter Emmanuel Cooper, who showed me how functional pieces can transcend their purpose. I was also lucky to learn from Takashi Yasuda, who awakened me to the freedom of making, of evolving via continual experimentation.
The moment I first sat on the wheel during my foundation course I experienced a profound connection, akin to a calling. I understood that this was a vocation that would take me years to master but nevertheless it filled me with profound joy.
In 2017 I did a live performance at the Saatchi Gallery, smashing and dramatically altering a series of perfectly thrown vessels. It could be seen as an act of liberation or vandalism. It was exhilarating and I experienced immense joy. We are all altered by life.
I recently built a wood-fire kiln and have been exploring how the ash can enhance contemporary forms. Ash is a presence you make room for, a force outside of your control. The process is lengthy and allows you to reconnect with the ways people used to work.
Sue Paraskeva
Porcelain maker
Ryde, United Kingdom
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
PHONE
+44 7968336485
LANGUAGES
English
