Alma Berrow is a ceramist who represent everyday objects, things that are fundamental part of our days. She grew up surrounded by art and when she creates she likes remembering this quote from Anne Boyer writes in 2019’s "The Undying": "Enchantment exists when things are themselves and not their uses" .
HOW WAS YOUR PASSION FOR ART BORN?
I grew up in a creative family, beat music, boat building, fashion, cooking. There is someone who has done it or is doing it and if not even dreaming of the next project. From an early age my parents always encouraged us to play in nature and learn to entertain ourselves. I guess, for me, that is where my passion was born. Making dens and mixing magic medicines, dressing up and entering a world where anything could be anything we wanted.
WHEN YOU CREATE ONE OF YOUR ARTWORK DO YOU TAKE INSPIRATION FROM SOMETHING IN PARTICULAR?
I take inspiration from the everyday, normally the seemingly mundane. However when recreated in clay and isolated these scenes which should be gross or would be ignored, suddenly hold their very own personality, story and hopefully humour. For me play and humour are fundamental to my work.
HOW DID THE IDEA OF REPRESENTING COMMON OBJECT IN CERAMIC COME TO YOUR MIND?
As a child I loved dolls houses and dreamed of living in one, a world where everything was seemingly what it was but wasn't at all.
Anne Boyer writes in 2019’s "The Undying": "Enchantment exists when things are themselves and not their uses".
Maybe in some way as an adult I'm trying to create this world for myself now.
WHAT IS THE MATERIAL PROCESSING PROCESS? I MEAN DO YOU USE ANY PARTICULAR TECHNIQUE TO MODEL THE MATERIAL THE WAY YOU WANT?
I build by hand and when I first started making ceramics in 2020 I bought myself a £15 tool kit from Amazon. I'm still using the same tools today. I found ways of using these tools to create the desired effects I would like.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKES TO CREATE AN ARTWORK?
It completely depends on the piece but an average of 6-8 weeks from start to finish. With ceramics you have to be incredibly patient with the drying, glazing, firing. If any are rushed it's very likely one's work will crack and then all you can do is start at the very beginning.
WHAT IS ONE OF THE GREATEST SATISFACTIONS YOU REACHED WITH YOUR ART?
My greatest satisfaction is coming into my studio everyday, never did I imagine I would be lucky enough to be living off my art which brings me so much joy, and to have a wonderful studio, filled with light, that is all mine, still surprises me.
WHAT DOES DARE MEAN FOR YOU?
To live in the present, a scary place to be.
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For DareClan
Images provided by Alma