Artist statement
Alastair crafts his work on the pottery wheel. With a curiosity about the properties of the clay he often tears, slices and scores the pieces during and after the throwing process, the evolution of these marks results in interesting, organic textures. Further layers of texture and colour are added through the use of various reactive glazes, slips and oxides.
Extended Bio
Alastair has a natural curiosity towards the natural world and how things work, which directed him to study mechanical engineering and pursue a career as an engineer in Aberdeen. He is inspired by the textures found in nature and in the built environment and by abstract mathematical forms from the field of topology. Finding his creative side came naturally when he started ceramics in early 2021, whilst on a career break, through a newfound curiosity about the pottery wheel and the numerous variables that are involved in the making of a pot. He finds a constant flow of interest in pottery and has a very playful and experimental approach to the creative process.
Alastair crafts his work on the pottery wheel, often transforming and altering their forms. During and after the throwing process, he often introduces texture to the surface and edges by tearing, slicing, and scoring the clay, exploring the properties of the material and how these properties change through the process. His exploration of the material reveals organic textures that evolve as the clay is manipulated and bring spontaneity to the final form and surface. Further layers of texture and color are applied through the use of various reactive glazes, slips, and oxides.
This voyage of discovery throughout the process results in each piece being truly unique. He looks forward to welcoming you to his studio where you can ask questions and interact with the tactile pottery that he has created.
