Sandy Lockwood

Sandy Lockwood

  • Location New South Wales, Australia
  • Medium Clay
  • Years Active 1980 - Present
  • Biography
  • Info

 

My relationship with clay began in 1975. This creative medium immediately attracted me through the raw and direct tactile experience it offered. I initially worked in a pottery production studio, and then continued my training by studying ceramics full time at East Sydney Technical College.

Since 1980 I have been a full-time maker in my own studio, and a part-time teacher. During this time, I have taught and presented workshops in Australia, UK, Taiwan, France, Italy, Denmark, Japan, and the USA. I have also exhibited in Australia, UK, USA, UK, Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Germany, France and Denmark. I hold a PhD from the University of Wollongong.

The material qualities of clay are essential to my work. They provide a vocabulary for expressing a language of rich textures, rhythms and tactile sensation. Dry cracked earthy stoneware slabs contrast with refined and fluid salt glazed porcelain to expresses the transience of life and delicate balance of nature. I seek to express both movement and stillness that echo the natural world, and provide a testament to the effects of time. I work at the edge of my medium by pushing the capabilities and tolerance of clay in search of a subtle nuance or essence of expression. I am seeking to capture an elusive 'rightness' that expresses an elusive embodiment of life's energy. All my work is wood fired and salt glazed. Most of the clays I use are made from Australian raw materials which I blend and mix myself. I also use Southern Ice and Limoges porcelain. Each clay has particular qualities which, when combined with wood firing and salt, produce varied and intriguing surfaces that are an essential part of my work. I have two main kilns. Each has a different design and 'personality.' One kiln is fired for two days and the other for one day using Australian Eucalyptus wood. Coarse salt is introduced at high temperature to provide surfaces ranging from shiny through to subtle matte color flashings.