Helen Nottage - ARBSA

Technique

The pieces I produce are made in a combination of terracotta and white st.thomas paperclay; this provides strength during the making process. The figures are formed from a series of press-moulded pieces which are altered after they are removed from the mould.

The interior of each piece contains a substructure, this is hand built providing strength to the fragile surface and its form echoes that of the human skeletal structure. The torso is produced from a body cast and the other elements are taken from casts of modelled pieces.

I apply colour and texture to the clay prior to the making process, transferring coloured slips from a plaster slab to the clay, giving it a more subtle finish. Texture is formed using a combination of carved plaster slabs, bisque moulds and extruded clay. I fire the work to 1150c; this gives a more desirable colour to the terracotta. I then apply a combination of oxides and clear glaze which is washed off to emphasize the cracks and marks on the surface.