Sea Monster - Michelle O'Loughlin
Raku
My lineage is one of creators - from Macclesfield silk weavers to Manchester cotton weavers, and from aircraft draftsmen to AVRO inventors. These industrious roots in the Northwest of England profoundly influenced our worldview, a fact of which I became acutely aware only upon encountering the natural beauty of New Zealand. Gratefully, my decision to pursue a career in the fashion industry met with little opposition, allowing me to embark on a path that held the promise of returning to my artistic aspirations later in life. In my creative journey, I am driven by a yearning to experiment and push artistic boundaries, fully aware that the outcome is beyond my control. Working with my hands, I find myself grounded in a state of flow that transcends mere craftsmanship. After years dedicated to the fast-paced world of fashion, where perfection was the ultimate goal, I now revel in the spontaneity of the clay process, embracing imperfections inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi. I take pleasure in the unexpected outcomes that emerge during creation, celebrating the unique textures and forms that result from the interplay of earth, fire, and air. By subjecting my vessels to multiple firings and unconventional techniques, I invite the elements to leave their mark, allowing each piece to evolve and reveal its true essence over time. Choosing the path less traveled has been a source of both challenge and reward, serving as a constant reminder of the journey I have undertaken. Infusing my work with a sense of earthly vulnerability, I aim to evoke an ethereal and visceral experience, inviting viewers to engage with the tactile and sensory qualities of my creations. These vessels are not static objects but living entities that will evolve and transform alongside us, mirroring the passage of time and the impermanence of existence.
