Preparing To Murmurate

Glazed ceramic, wire, gold schlag
2024

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Sally Toms graduated from the RCA in 1995. She works from her small studio at her home in the Lake District.  Where she makes Figurative Ceramic Sculpture .

‘I’m really proud to belong to the tradition of Ceramic Figure -making. I also love a good story!. Consequently  I like to make work that exists at the intersection of many influences. Hybrids.

Both in terms of ceramic ‘genres’ and ‘ ‘techniques’ . As well as  ideas, philosophies and  of course narrative.  I have always loved the sense of personality,honesty and accessibility of the folk art tradition .Whilst at the same time admiring  the likes of the masterful Miessen porcelain creations that graced the tables of the higher classes or the incredible  technical ‘feats of fancy ‘Delftware tulip vase towers.

I see my pieces as vessels of story telling , allegories of culture and creative tradition, yet with the devotional dynamic  of small shrines that encourage a tactile  conversation .That invite touch or a place for ones own collected objects’

Shrine to middle age…

As the starlings gathered to move the air was palpable.
It was not an uprising .
It was a rising up.
Long gone the braids of youth.
Put away in the cupboard with my grandmothers meat dish.
There were other plans.
For now.