Words matter and definitions are great for precision, helping us understand the specific categorisation and meaning of a word. From there, we can open it up to see where the boundaries are so as to test them.
Dictionary definition – Pots:
Different types of containers, with or without a lid, especially for storing food or liquids: a pot of cream/jam/paint/ink
Arse
Almost every free-standing object has a bottom of sorts. I love the idea of objects not being well-behaved, compliant or obedient. Here the peachy buttocks are raised and in the viewer’s face. To open the pot you have to grab it with two hands – way too cheeky!
Arse
Material Pewter & Silverplate
Dimensions 15 x 10 x 16cm
Year 2024
Available
Spewy, Spurty & Dirty Squirty.
Unashamedly referencing the wonderful tulipiere vase which during the 17th-century was used to grow tulip bulbs. The tulipiere has always been seen as a luxury item. However, I wanted to celebrate a few choice blooms and utilise some old crazy spouts.
Spewy, Spurty and Dirty Squirty
Material Pewter and Silverplate spouts
Dimensions 18 x 10 x 8cm approx
Year 2022
Private Collection China
AWOL
ABSENT
WITHOUT
LEAVE
A cup caught in motion. Often, objects are still for most of the time, but I wanted to capture the cup awake and moving in space. Our interaction activates objects as they become animated when lifted from the table.
AWOL ( Absent Without Leave)
Material Sterling Silver, Pewter
Dimensions 40 x 40 x 9cm
Year 2015
Location Private Collection Hong Kong
BROUHAHA
An extended yawning teapot. The lead solder is left raw, mistakes are evident, and the making exposed and celebrated. As a material, lead has a reputation problem. For a start, it’s poisonous and more commonly thought of as a material used architecturally. The teapot, on the other hand, is a domestic object embedded in rituals and etiquette. In Brouhaha, there is a meeting point where opposite hierarchies and class collide.
Brouhaha
Material Silver Plate, Lead
Dimensions 55 x 25 x 60cm
Year 2007
Location Public Collection The V&A UK, The National Museum Norway
FACELIFT
Using a collection of unwanted aged silver plate objects, I released each one from its history with a clean, blank face(t). Their old bodies sprayed black, so they remain firmly in the shadows.
Facelift
Material Silverplate, Pewter, Spray Paint
Dimensions 18 x 10 x 8cm
Year 2020
Available
HULLABALOO
I had an unwanted dull effort of a teapot from a few years ago. It was the perfect opportunity to chop it up again and reconfigure it as I had the opportunity to show it with the Chitra Collection.
Hullabaloo
Material Brass, Lead
Dimensions 35 x 15 x 30cm
Year 2024
Location Available
INFLUX
A series of jugs intended to unleash new characters hiding within these tired and redundant objects. Once surgically opened up, then reassembled, these collaged mash-ups take on bold personalities, evoking humour and showing you how they misbehave at the table when you’re not looking.
Influx
Material Silver Plate, Pewter
Dimensions 15 x 10 x 12cm
Year 2012
Location Private Collections Germany, USA, Australia and UK
OOH LALA
I was told by traditionalists that “you’re not a real silversmith until you have made a teapot.” My response was to take an unwanted antique, chop it up and stuff it with lead. Shifting it from recognisably traditional and functional to dysfunctional and highly poisonous. Most of these classical pieces are rarely used and often don’t even pour properly – they just dribble.
Ooh Lala
Material Silver Plate, Lead
Dimensions 27 x 15 x 36cm
Year 2008
Location Public Collection Dallas Museum of Art USA
USUAL SUSPECTS
A characterful collection of misfits and mishaps. Resulting in a mish-mash of objects collaged together to create animated objects for the table.
Usual Suspects
Material Silver Plate, Pewter
Dimensions 8 x 10 x 13cm
Year 2012
Location Numerous Private Collection
