Investigating the connectedness of the natural world
- Julie explores the patterns of nature through the medium of clay
- The Living Coast urban biosphere reserve is an endless source of inspiration for her
- With her projects she stimulates reflections on the human condition
Spending a carefree childhood in Torquay, Devon cemented Julie Nelson’s bond to the sea. “I remember passing my days beach combing, observing the horizon, the relationship of the sea to the sky, the edges of the land constantly changing with the tides.” Encouraged by her parents to be creative, she completed a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in Three-dimensional Design at Middlesex Polytechnic. “I tried furniture, glass, silversmithing and ceramics, which is the specialty I loved the most. I made very experimental, sculptural pieces at college, inspired by anatomy, time-worn surfaces, mixing metal with clay.” In the early 2000s, Julie settled down in Brighton, where she continues to probe nature’s patterns and processes in her studio ceramics.
Interview
- How important is it for you to live by the sea?
- The coastal environment reminds me of living on the edge of things, a notion that has always been a part of my life. It also inspires me to create installations that explore nature’s patterns and repetitions, which arouse a strong sense of wonderment.
- What techniques do you use to create your artwork?
- I use hand-building techniques, adding and subtracting clay in a rhythmical way. I have spent many years experimenting with texture and glazes to achieve subtle effects such as matte surfaces and tertiary colours that evoke the feeling of an event having taken place.
- Is it possible to evolve such an ancient craft?
- Practising ceramics is a primordial art with techniques that remain unchanged for centuries. This connection with ancient civilisations is humbling. Constantly testing, experimenting and exploring clay, its properties and outcomes, makes it exciting and hopefully innovating.
- What do you love the most about working with clay?
- The fact that the material requires a particular mindset. Being responsive to temperature, touch and the imponderable, clay is not easy to control, and demands a dose of humility. I feel so privileged to be working with clay and I know I will always be learning from it.
Julie Nelson is a master artisan: she began her career in 1995
Where
Julie Nelson
