Michelle has worked in the ceramics field for over 12 years. Originally from Seattle Michelle has worked for the last 8 years for Kate Malone’s Balls Pond Studio in London. During this time Michelle made a small amount of her own work and participated in Open Studio events and exhibitions.
Michelle’s work is hand built, both functional and sculptural, utilising different clay types and glazes to make the best pieces by design and use.
Michelle was brought up in Seattle a city with many water fronts and beaches; weekends were spent by the sea exploring the beach. The inspiration behind her recent work is found in exploring beaches and their rock pools, finding fascinating of unexpected treasures. The constant motion of the sea breaking, smoothing and shining stones, shells, glass, drift wood and other natural artefacts are a constant source of ideas.
Techniques for pieces shown The hand built porcelain pieces are constructed using a variety of techniques including pinching and coiling. The small pebble forms are constructed by forming a sphere out of two pinch pots and tapping them into a desired form. Once this is achieved other pinch pots are sunk into the surface of the form, creating a well for the glaze to flow into. Larger pieces are coiled or press moulded. Two crystalline base glazes are used; one inside to create the crisp transparent fluidity which contrasts the soft external stone like patterns.
Ceramics by Michelle Aitken
Michelle’s work is hand built, both functional and sculptural, utilising different clay types and glazes to make the best pieces by design and use. More...
About Making Pottery
Michelle has worked in the ceramics field for over 12 years. Originally from Seattle Michelle has worked for the last 8 years for Kate Malone’s Balls Pond Studio in London. During this time Michelle made a small amount of her own work and participated in Open Studio events and exhibitions.
Michelle’s work is hand built, both functional and sculptural, utilising different clay types and glazes to make the best pieces by design and use.
Techniques for pieces shown The hand built porcelain pieces are constructed using a variety of techniques including pinching and coiling. The small pebble forms are constructed by forming a sphere out of two pinch pots and tapping them into a desired form. Once this is achieved other pinch pots are sunk into the surface of the form, creating a well for the glaze to flow into. Larger pieces are coiled or press moulded. Two crystalline base glazes are used; one inside to create the crisp transparent fluidity which contrasts the soft external stone like patterns.