Ross Emerson

With the exception of a small amount of thrown pots most of my work consists of slab-built constructions, embellished with a variety of differing techniques. I work in red earthenware clay onto which I apply a white slip as a background to any amount of coloured slips. The painting process can take as long as the actual construction, depending on what I'm trying to achieve. I am interested in a wide variety of different styles and themes. Each piece requires its own style of decorative treatment, from minimal and free brushwork, through to detailed painting or a soft sprayed effect.
For many years I have been known for my clocks, which are the largest part of my production. Stylistically, I draw on strong classical forms and structure within art, architecture and antiques. There is certainly a strong 'Surrealist ' element running through much of my work. Whilst this is usually intended, it can also result from the collision between a variety of other styles, for example 'distorted perspective ' and ' Trompe L'oeil '. Other sources of inspiration would include Escher, Hieronymus Bosch, Chagall and the ramblings of Edward Lear and even Dr Suess. I'm not afraid to mix my metaphors; it's all about fun. Don't look for any thing deep and meaningful, it isn’t there. The designs, whilst originating from traditional sources and styles, soon become a cocktail of playful stylistic non-sequesters or unconnected themes. It is always a danger, when throwing a multitude of differing elements into the melting pot, that the results are confused or disconnected. To avoid this, I aim to get all the other design elements; form, structure, colour and the quality of finish; working together.
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