Art / Ceramics
Bristol artist Emily Gibbard launches crowdfunder for giant ceramic totem sculptures
Local ceramic artist Emily Gibbard – also known as @totterdown_potterdown – has been making work since 2016, when she first fell in love with pottery during an evening course.
Since then, she has gone on to establish herself as an influential ceramic artist and teacher, exhibiting at New Brewery Arts, Thrown Contemporary, Serchia Gallery, Centrespace Studios & Gallery and the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) among others.
She cites art potters like Betty Woodman and Rudy Autio as creative inspirations, as well as abstract expressionism. In 2021, she was awarded funding from Arts Council England to create sculptural work at larger scale.
is needed now More than ever
Now, Gibbard been selected to exhibit See Me, Hear Me, Touch Me, a series of three giant ceramic totem sculptures at the prestigious international 2024 Collect Art Fair in London.
Over a four month period, she will create the work at Windmill Clay, her studio at Windmill Hill City Farm. The process will involve making each ceramic section by first throwing it on the potter’s wheel and then manipulating it whilst the clay is still wet.
Pieces will be torn, bent, pushed and stretched to create sculptural representations of the female form.
Emily Gibbard stoneware sculpture – photo: courtesy of the artist
“My aim is to produce an installation of biomorphic sculpture which explores different configurations and perceptions of the human form,” says Gibbard.
“The work will invite the viewer into a world of playful body representation as they walk among the totemic sculpture, connect with familiarity and ambiguity, and consider elements of sexuality.”
A crowdfunder is now underway to help support the project, with money raised going towards 250kg of stoneware clay, glazing materials, kiln firings and support structures. The artist will create hand-crafted ceramic gifts in return for donations of £50 or over.
https://youtu.be/HwVXD48Oykg
Visit Emily Gibbard’s crowdfunder to support the project in return for an original handcrafted artwork. Follow the artist @totterdown_potterdown.
Main photo: André Pattenden
Read more: Debut exhibition for female collective of Bristol potters
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