Artist’s Statement

From an early age I was encouraged to draw, this came naturally to me as my family are very talented at drawing and painting. As I grew older I became interested and aware of the latest trends within the design, fashion and illustration industries which led me to my interest in surface design and pattern which was reflected in my university art work.

Although I have never always stuck to one area of practice, ceramics has allowed me to create a series of tiles, titled ‘Conversations’ concentrating on surface design. However my work also has a personal concept which is the connections and relationship that I have with my family. The theme ‘family’ is a common topic through my art, concentrating on the individual roles and positions within a family unit.

The title, ‘Conversations’ is important as each tile is decorated with a hand drawn portrait of a family member and a snippet of a past discussion. These tiles represent various emotions and situations that we have been in as well as my own position as a daughter, sister, auntie and girlfriend.

The imperfections found on the tiles results in their own shameless beauty, portraying the blemishes that each person has within a family. When young, your parents were your rock who taught you right and wrong, however, you realise as you grow older their own cracks and imperfections become visible. My intention was not to create the perfect tile, but tiles that stir memories and remind us that, like an old childhood book, worn but loved, the imperfections are, in their own right, beautiful.

Katie Wade

 

If you wish to contact Katie please feel free to email her at katie86wade@hotmail.com