All items by More than Clay

Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, I stretch materials like terracotta to their limits to reveal their beauty

Michael Knowles
2:29 PM (0 minutes ago)
to me

I mainly work in terracotta. It is the simplest of materials, almost literally being mud, the material used by potters for thousands of years. Predominantly I finish the pieces using the traditional method of boiled linseed oil and natural bees wax. Sometimes I embellish the work with gold leaf, the antithesis of the basic terracotta.I also use earthenware glazes. These I apply prior to the work before it is biscuit fired as the materials both fuse at 1100C. This obviates the need for a second firing, thus saving energy.
Making my masks I am inspired by the ancient theology of man being created from ‘the dust of the earth’. As you form the face you feel the human energy

My bowls are initially Wabi Sabi inspired, the Japanese philosophy of ‘beauty in imperfection’. In these day where every thing is overly refined and thus overly restricted, this thinking opens up our all important personal Creativity