Ikebana Vase Series
By Ian Smedley
Original artworks
Raku vesselsIn order as pictured above:
Ikebana vase no 3 - £350
Size: H: 39.5cm, W: 29cm, D: 18cm
Weight: 3.8kg
Ikebana Vase 2 - £300
Size: H: 22cm W: 30cm, D 16cm
Weight: 3.8kg
This series of striking, large Raku vessels is heavily influenced by the artist’s interest in Japanese art and design.
The shape is derived from Shinto Torii Gates, which lead into Shinto shrines. Kami, venerated forces or spirits, pass through the gates: each piece has an opening for this purpose.
Surfaces and glaze textures vary to reflect time decay and the effects of the heat and flame that created them. They are kiln-fired up to 1000 degrees centigrade, then the lid is lifted and the red-hot pot is taken out and placed on sawdust and paper which ignites. The copper matte areas change colour as the flames lick the surface. A metal box cover and seal are added to encourage the metal oxides in the glaze to reduce and the clay and crackle glaze to take on carbon from the smoke. Then the lid is taken off and the pot plunged into cold water. Left to dry, the colours intensify.
These vessels are made with the Ikebana flower arranging method in mind. A single flowered stem, which can be supported by florist’s foam, works perfectly. They also make dramatic statement pieces on their own.
ABOUT IAN SMEDLEY
Ian started pottery at school, aged 12, in a dedicated art studio separate from the main school campus in Malmesbury, Wiltshire. The pottery teacher provided the enthusiasm for the craft and taught throwing and hand building techniques, both of which Ian still enjoys today.
He continued art at 'O' and 'A' Level and went on to an Art Foundation course at Swindon College before a degree in Ceramics at Middlesex Polytechnic.
In his sandwich year, he worked for two potters, initially John Huggins at his Courtyard Pottery in Groundwell, Swindon. John produced garden ware on a huge scale: "His ability to throw large vessels was incredible. I learned a lot, from clay production and mould making to throwing and kiln building. I returned to work there after college and manned his stand at the Chelsea Flower show for two years."
He then worked for David Roberts at his studio in Holmfirth. He produces beautiful coiled raku fired vessels that are famous around the world. Ian did a lot of clay prep and slip tests for his smoked, crazed decorative finishes.
Pottery took a back seat in the nineities, and Ian concentrated on photography (when not working). He made the decision to become a full-time potter and in 2022 built a new studio during lockdown and now hosts workshops.
"My inspiration and influences for vessels come from rugged English landscapes, stormy weather and ancient standing stones. I am drawn to decaying surfaces including industrial environments where nature is reclaiming man’s creations.
"My sculptural work is heavily influenced by Japanese and Egyptian armour and statues, an interest that was fuelled by many visits to the V&A Museum and Tower Armouries. Recent work relates to ancient Shinto Torii Gates that can be seen all over Japan.
"I consider myself both a studio potter and a ceramic artist. I enjoy the peace of making small runs of domestic ware and lidded pots but also the creativity of sculpting figurative pieces and large vessels."