Andrew Matheson
West Midlands, United Kingdom
Websitehttp://www.andrewmatheson.co.uk/
Instagram
@andrewmathesonceramics
Artist Statement
Stoneware and Porcelain thrown or handbuilt reduction cone 10. Functional or sculptural, some with a tree landscape theme. Porcelain pieces have a blue and white slip decoration by a variety of techniques. Glazes influenced by classic recipes.
Studio Description
City centre location in Lichfield Staffordshire, UK. Main studio space for making and display. Gallery upstairs, kiln area and storage for materials. Access for the public from the main street.
What type of clay do you use?
Stoneware and Porcelain.
What temperature do you fire to?
Cone 11 reduction fired.
What is your primary forming method?
The wheel and handbuilt slab construction.
What is your favorite surface treatment?
Classic stoneware and porcelain glazes along with cobalt slips on the porcelain pieces.
Do you make any of your own tools?
Not many really.
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Diverse.
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
It's a space in which I work.
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
Gas Kiln.
What are your top three studio wishes?
I wish I had more space. Better public profile. More time.
What’s on your current reading list?
Any ceramic publication that adds to my knowledge and a good thriller.
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
Try to not to waste materials, reprocess clay.
How do you recharge creatively?
Keep exploring and developing ideas, enjoy what I am doing. Working for an exhibition or commission helps.
Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency?
Try to be tidy and have a routine.
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
Get better at throwing larger forms
What did your first piece look like?
Compared to what I do, very basic.
What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
Time travel, to be able start again with the knowledge and experience I have and meet some of the past potters.
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
Any skilled makers working in stoneware and porcelain, past and present.
What is your studio playlist?
Rock Music - planet rock radio.
Why do you create art?
I enjoy it and it's what I do. Its nice that people are prepared purchase/commission it. Making it is always a challenge.
What is your best studio tip?
Keep records of what you do and of important pieces or processes.
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
I wouldn't but it's important to understand the qualities of those materials that you use.
