Statement

I make contemporary ceramic sculptures and vessels that explore form, line, texture and the interaction of light, shade and colour. Inspiration is drawn from the natural and constructed environment, geometry, the material qualities of clay and the physicality of the making process itself. Working in porcelain for its purity, Read More...

Statement

I make contemporary ceramic sculptures and vessels that explore form, line, texture and the interaction of light, shade and colour. Inspiration is drawn from the natural and constructed environment, geometry, the material qualities of clay and the physicality of the making process itself. Working in porcelain for its purity, translucency, and its clear bright colours when glazed. I enjoy the qualities of the clay, it responds to the slightest touch, recording every action applied, which is then 'fixed' in the intense heat of the kiln. I have a passion for throwing on the wheel, but also employ innovative, experimental and other traditional methods to produce the work.

Currently the work has two distinct themes;

Hand built porcelain geometric vessels. My fascinated with the translucency and lightness of porcelain, has led me to work with it as if it were paper. Scoring, folding and joining along curved lines to construct the forms from paper thin corrugated porcelain sheets, creating gently curved and tensioned surfaces defining the interior and exterior space. This is a technique borrowed from my background in cabinet making and in particular from fine metals. The unglazed pure white and translucent surfaces play with light and shade, creating a sense of movement.

Thrown porcelain vessels with intricate and freely textured surfaces. Patterns in clouds, sand and water ripples have been of particular interest as a source for the textures. This body of work explores the contrast between the free organic and precisely turned forms. Each piece is part of a family of vessels with its own subtle variations in form, texture and colour. The physical qualities of the molten glaze moving over the surface, pooling in the textures and breaking on edges produces varying saturation of colour, integrating the surface with the form.

I also work with 3D software and rapid prototyping, combining digital technolgy with craft to produce functional ceramics.

For latest news see, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Keith-Varney-Ceramics/

Education

2008/11 BA (Hons) 3D Design; Ceramics (first class), Bath Spa University

2006/8 BTEC National Diploma, Design Crafts; ceramics, glass, fine metal (distinction), City of Bath College

2005/6 Kiln formed glass, stained glass, printmaking.

Exhibitions and Shows

2013

Rising Stars, New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham.

Colour, New Brewery Arts, Cirencester.

Get Fresh, Devon Guild of Craftsmen

2012

Ceramics in the City, Geffrye Museum, London

Contemporary Craft Festival, Bovey Tracy, Devon

New Year exhibition, Quest Gallery, Bath

Graduate Show 2012, Bevere Gallery, Worcester

2011

Xmas exhibition, Quest Gallery, Bath

Electric, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham

Changing Paces, Mixed Media, New Faces, Joanna Bird, London

Tent London, Old Truman Brewery, London

Art in Clay, Hatfield House

New Desigers 2011, Business Design Centre, London

Degree show, Bath Spa University

Experience

2011-present, Art and Design technician, City of Bath College

2011, Ceramics Tutor, Fine and Applied Arts, City of Bath College

Awards

Associate Member, Devon Guild of Craftsmen

Hothouse 2013, Crafts Council in partnership with The Devon Guild and Plymouth University

Curating

2011, Out of Bath, Ceramics by Alumni from Bath Academy of Art and Bath School of Art and Design, touring exhibition shown at Bath School of Art & Design gallery and The Ceramics Gallery Aberystwyth University Arts Centre.  Featuring the work of Felicity Aylieff, Matt Chambers, Jo Davies, Hannah Dipper, Aimee Lax, Chun Liao, Babette Martini, Heidi Parsons, Louisa Taylor, Jonathan Wade and Sasha Wardell.

Publications

Varney.K, Out of Bath, Ceramics by Alumni from Bath Academy of Art and Bath School of Art and Design (catalogue), Bath, Wunderkammer Press, 2011, ISBN 978-0-9566462-3-1