Claudia Lis

Since launching my studio, I have focused on developing a quiet body of celadon wares inspired by historic examples of Oriental stoneware and porcelain. I assemble my ceramics in groups united by their related forms and subtle variations in colour, thereby creating a still-life atmosphere around my pieces.

Iron oxide in a variety of forms and particle sizes is central to my work. The soft green shades of my celadon glazes are derived from additions of finely ground iron oxide to the base glaze. The same material, in the form of rust flakes implanted into the dusty glaze layer, migrates through the molten glaze during firing, thereby creating intricate markings reminiscent of ink stains on blotting paper, scorch marks and microscopic organisms.

Inspired by John Keats’ “Song of Opposites”, my aesthetics brings together opposing forces such as randomness and control, immaculate surface and blemish, subtle colours and harsh contrast.