|
|
|
Artists Statement
Gilda Westermann
Gilda Westermann works in porcelain and has done so for ten years. It is a beautiful material with a long and celebrated history. Gilda is known for the fine craftsmanship of her work and is recognised as one of the UK’s leading potters working with porcelain. The pots have a quality of throwing which is fluent, soft and creative. The current range of porcelain pots includes domestic items such as mugs, tea bowls, sets of bowls to eat from and large salad bowls to serve with at the table. The range includes her much loved porcelain jugs, creamers and jars. They are exquisitely made and have a sensitive tactile quality, which is a joy to use. Gilda is known for her elegant range of vases and bottles, which are inspired by arranging and appreciating flowers. They are frequently shown in UK design magazines and were part of the British Council touring exhibition, Everything But.' Gilda’s recent works include beautiful large centrepieces, sculptural vessels and expansive platters, which are masterpieces of throwing. A new language has appeared, written in the soft material, telling traces of making - soft circling of the wheel. A new development is Gilda’s lustre ware. Angular dishes in a variety of sizes have been decorated with liquid porcelain and gold and amber lustre, painted with very energetic lines and compositions. The range is both decorative and functional, inspired by painting and movement, expressing strong as well as sensitive energy. Gilda is inspired by nature. She compares the forms of the pots with looking at a landscape with a wide angle, seeing simple clear lines and then looking at her shell imprints or surface decoration with a zoom lens. Looking at the crisp detail. The process of making is one of craftsmanship, the result of 20 years of experience, which offers an ease and a competency which enables a different level of expressing and telling. Gilda says: “What I would wish for my collectors is to offer them pots which they can enjoy, treasure and celebrate. Pots which are always present as good friends, incarnations of beauty and harmony or simply something which makes you feel good.” Gilda Westermann was born in Germany in 1963, she trained in Stuttgart, Ireland and London and now lives and works in Devon, UK. She is a fellow of the Craft Potters Association and Member of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen. Her work is exhibited in the Crafts Council Galleries in London. Gilda has lectured at the University of Westminster, University of Plymouth and Falmouth College of Arts. Her work is held in the British Council Collection and numerous private collections.
|
|
|
