Rachel Jeffree Ceramics

My background is in engineering, so I have a keen eye for detail and precision. I find technical accuracy satisfying and enjoy the challenge presented by different clay bodies. I discovered a passion for expressive decoration in Earthenware; in Stoneware, more energetic throwing; and in Porcelain, a luminosity which radiates the depth, clarity and vibrancy of colour. Above all, it is colour that captivates me. 

 

I am inspired by experiences of natural landscapes, drawn to the unexpected colours found in the wilds. I am moved by fleeting moments in time; dramatic oranges and pinks of sunsets; vivid yellows, greens and purples of wildflowers; and ethereal teals and blues of coastal landscapes. 

 

Nature is full of contrast, and contrast is important in my work. I find confidence and incredible joy in combining fluid slip decoration with precise forms. My application is a focused layering of techniques, and yet purposefully free. Pieces are dipped, shaken, brushed, trailed and splashed, making each one unrepeatable. My work reflects my delight in finding the unanticipated pockets of intense colour in our natural world.