Description

Watermeadows

Inspiration

Watermeadows was inspired by the watermeadows around Salisbury Cathedral.

This is a recently released landscape bowl by Adam Aaronson.

“I first visited Salisbury when I was about six and was more interested in the world’s oldest clock in the Cathedral. On a recent visit, the beauty of the watermeadows made more of an impression on me. No wonder they have inspired so many painters, including Constable over the centuries ”

Technique

Adam explains the process of making one of his landscape vessels:

“The late colouring technique that I have developed over the years is related to techniques used by ceramicists in glazing, enameling, print making and painting. But while I am drawing on those concepts, all the colour effects come from glass blowing techniques. The main process takes place at high temperatures”

Adam begins by choosing a palette of powdered glass colours. He uses these to reflect a landscape that he finds inspiring.

He applies layers of pure silver leaf, delicately adding the powdered colour, to create a soft luminosity. So in a way the silver becomes a canvas, depicting the effects of light reflecting on seascapes or forest scenes. Perhaps a change in the seasons or dramatic skies.

The colours melt into the surface by a process of heating and reheating and this builds up unique tones and texture.

Title

Adam then gives each piece a title reflecting his own inspiration. Lastly he signs the piece by engraving his signature, the title and the date on the base.

“Often I find the title that I choose is just a springboard. It can spark people’s memories of a moment from far flung travel or their own favourite landscape. What is so special is that different people can see different things in my work.

“I think everybody sees something different in the finished piece. If  skies or trees, attract you, or the countryside or the sea, the work may remind you of a different imaginary landscape”.