Tamsyn Trevorrow
My work explores the interaction between the land and sea. I am fascinated by the ever-changing landscape sculpted by the elements and try to capture this through colour, form and texture. I think that it stems from growing up in Cornwall, the South West of England; it is a beautiful yet rugged landscape surrounded by the coast. As a child I spent huge amounts of time investigating the many beaches, isolated coves and tin mines around the area. I have furthered this through travel in Ireland, SE Asia, Australia and New Zealand, absorbing the many different qualities of these lands.
The inspiration for my work has been derived from various aspects of the shoreline, rock formations, crags and lines, pools erosion and texture all having a place somewhere in my work. The sea, with its wealth of colour and endless energy, has always been a dramatic influence to me. The curl of a wave or the form of a shell, both holding within them the spiral, a symbol found throughout nature, representing movement and regeneration. This simple yet powerful form flows within my work, adding a calming dimension as with the blue to the otherwise rugged and weathered exterior of some pieces.
My pieces are built by hand with a coarse, heavily grogged clay, using mainly the coil process. I then cut, reshape and sculpt the form, adding and removing sections as the piece evolves. This results in a spontaneous and instinctive sculpture, which invites the eye to explore its form. The colours that I achieve are a result of various glazes and a rigorous and lengthy firing process. All this combines to give the final piece a sense of the different aspects from around the coast.
Exhibited @
St Ives Ceramics
Falmouth College of Arts
New Designers, London
Happs Pottery/Winery, Western Australia
Willyabrup Arts Prize, Western Australia
After graduating from Falmouth College of Arts, Tamsin was part of the Gaolyard Studios, where she occupied a studio until 2003, sharing kilns and ideas with 8 other potters in St Ives, Dove Street. She is now working from her own studio.