LETS GET STRAIGHT TO THE POINT



My name is Mark Sellars, and I'm a Decorative Arts Graduate from Nottingham Trent University.

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I specialise in contemporary ceramics, with a focus on unconventional shapes and an emphasis on illusion. My aim is to challenge the viewers perceptions, and ultimately make them question, 'How was that made?'   



The concept behind my designs came about due to an interest into the more unusual techniques and processes. I wanted to create something that didn’t reflect the traditional structure and properties of ceramics. With the use of polypropylene as a key mold making material I am able to slip cast shapes that are structurally irregular yet intriguing. The manipulation of this material not only helps form abnormal arrangements, but also adds a sleek, smooth a contemporary finish to the work. From this, my ideas developed into a conception of illusion, forcing the irregularity of my work further.

 

To enhance the optical effect I looked at the shadows that settled over the work in normal lighting conditions, and considered ‘what if I forced those shadows in order to confuse the audience’s perception.’ This notion encouraged me to develop the glaze process, leading to some striking impressions. I use both matt and gloss finishes, as well as some ceramic transfer prints in order to highlight these features. Both processes help to mature the attitude of my work, and give it that added area of intrigue.

 

Appling my designs to slip casting techniques, advanced over my three years studying decorative arts at Nottingham Trent University, I am able to produce multiple vessels with the same accuracy and quality every time. This process lends itself to the production of structurally problematic pieces and can also allow me to produce collections of work with properties that are far more complex.

 

With a completely unique twist on contemporary ceramics, I fundamentally want to demonstrate that not all is what it may seem!