Isolation Inspiration #1 - Gary Thomas Ceramics
Isolation inspiration #1
We first mentioned this at the start of lockdown but in between drowning in flour we’ve been a little slow to start… I’m going to try and put some features up on a roughly weekly basis of some of our makers, along with other interesting bits to have a look at whilst we’re all stuck indoors and waiting this out. Hopefully some of you find these worthwhile.
To kick things off, hear from Gary Thomas, a ceramicist based in Todmorden. Lots of you will have seen and purchased his beautiful pieces in the shop. Gary is a lovely guy, he’s always so interesting to talk to when I go to pick up stock from his studio full of amazing artwork in many different media. He always has great stories about trying out different art techniques, bird watching and travelling. It’s a privilege to have met Gary and be able to stock his work. Read about Gary’s creative process and see link below to view some of his work for sale.
How did you get into your craft and what do you love most about your chosen medium?
”I started potting whilst on my Art Foundation course at Burnley School of Art in the late 60s.”
”I love many aspects of ceramics, especially the fact that you never stop learning new methods and techniques. Constantly you are becoming aware of new approaches to forming and shaping clay. I wish Youtube had been around when I was training, showing you that there are many and varied approaches not just one way. There are so many creative people all around the world to tap into.”
”Ceramics is not unique for me but just one of the Arts and Crafts which were once considered equal but have since been separated into specialisms. I also enjoy and spend time drawing, painting and printmaking.”
How do you get the inspiration to sit behind the wheel and throw clay, do you have something in mind before you get to work?
”Inspiration comes from many sources. Usually I have an object in mind, such as a bowl or vase with a certain glaze but occasionally I will sit at the wheel and just let the clay talk, not having anything specific in mind, just seeing what emerges. Sometimes I might just enjoy the experience of throwing something big! - a large round form or a tall cylinder, just for the fun of it. It can also be a good idea to think of a finished product with a certain glaze in mind before starting. That way you are clear in your mind about the intended outcome.”
How is Covid-19 affecting you and your work at the moment?
”Covid 19 has greatly affected my work schedule, no galleries open! - no shops! - no craft Fairs! - all cancelled or postponed, but I can still enjoy the process of making, creating, crafting. How people are coping without creating I cannot imagine. I do love the fact that I can see real clouds and that there are no aircraft, not many cars and periods of real peace! Not to mention the real change in peoples’ attitudes to each other, basically much less selfish. I'm not enjoying being isolated from the family though but on-line zooming and the occasional quiz is keeping us together.”
Have you got any advice for people who want to use this time to tap into their creative side?
”How to enjoy creativity…maybe viewing a range of pottery styles and approaches on Youtube - I think Bill Van Guilders’ work and communication is really good.”
”Start a sketchbook, draw anything, a flower, a small still life and use the media you have at hand. Find an old frame, mount your work then frame it! This will give you the confidence to do more. It’s all about being visually aware! Looking, observing and seeing - appreciating the visual world around, (all schools should be art schools) to make us aware of and appreciate what we have.”
