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Nottingham Trent University   2008/2009

Sally Hodkinson

Having had to move my studio back to the cellar, it has become necessary to change the way in which I work. Until recently, I have made my own clay body, adding stain and aggregate to produce a unique surface quality to my work. I now don't have the space for the continuation of these lengthy processes, which is why I would like to take this opportunity to pursue other area's of ceramics in which I am less skilled, but am just as passionate and inquisitive about. I would like to develop a new body of work, using print in an innovative way on ceramic surfaces, probably porcelain and paper-clay (and maybe glass).

I like to 'push' a process to the limit to fully understand its properties and limitations, so that ultimately I can manipulate its use in an attractive and unique way. The wide range of facilities in Art College certainly makes those things easier.

I remember at Loughborough having too many ideas (this being one of them), but having to chose just one for my final project. I would just love to get my head 'in the same gear' again, having time to experiment and move forward in my endeavors. I already feel excited at the prospect of working alongside students in such a creative community. I find that other people's reaction to work often influences the next step, and this is almost impossible to achieve when trying to find a new direction, when working alone.

My vision at the end of this project, is to have overcome some technical hurdles, answered some questions regarding printing on ceramic surfaces, and developed a body of glazed ceramic pieces, which have been decorated with my own imagery that can be wall-hung for display.