Ella Bendrups
Constructed in Paper Clay, Ella Bendrups handbuilt forms have been stacked onto custom made powder coated steel poles to form three large totems.
“My current practice is focused on ancient clay and stone artefacts, and explores their ability to transcend the times and cultures in which they were created.”
“My recontextualising of ancient idols is informed by my desire to foster feelings of strength, stability, and continuity through my work. I believe that by reviving ancient worship forms for the modern period, my work can assist in easing the feelings of uncertainty and insecurity that accompany our experiences of turbulent contemporary world events.”
Her beautiful handbuilt totems stand as a testament to the incredible ceramics skills and knowledge that she has invested in her project over the 12 week residency.
Claire Ellis
Throughout lockdown Claire Ellis worked on her 100 plates project ‘In Any Way Shape or Form’.
This project was inspired by the growth that comes from a daily practice, with a focus on sustainability and reducing food waste. Each plate is glazed with a unique recipe developed by Claire during the residency, using eggshells as a raw material in place of the mined material called whiting.
“Over the past three months I have learned about all aspects of my practice. I decided to focus on trying new things even if I didn’t know if they would work. By doing that I got more clear on the limits of clay in every stage of the process, on what kind of conditions and mindsets encourage creativity, and ways of trying to delay the valuable but often stifling editing/critical brain.
I learned how to successfully use eggshells in my glazes in place of the mined raw material whiting. A surprise bonus of the residency is that it started a new relationship with a local egg farmer that led to some exciting conversations and potential opportunities.
And of course, I learned a lot about plates. I spent a lot of time wondering, What makes a good plate? What I came up with is that besides how it’s made, it depends on who it’s for, why are they using it? where is it going to be used? and what’s the occasion?
The Lockdown was a curveball that, like for many people, challenged me mentally and also challenged the making of the plates by having less space and equipment at home. The silver lining was having the residency goal and the accountability of it kept me busy and helped with motivation and focus.
I’m so grateful for the time I did get to spend at NPS, for all the conversations, the new friends, the pep talks and the resources. It was a very memorable three months.”
