Shelley Maisel is a highly acclaimed South African
ceramicist who has exhibited extensively throughout the Country.
The materials, shapes and decorations of Shelley's work not only portray her
interests, but also reveal subliminal influences. The colour and texture of
the clay, the hand-painted edges, circles and bead-like decorations, as well
as inlaid metal pieces, embody the artistic expression of primitive cultures.
"My inspiration is drawn from many sources. I have always been drawn to
and influenced by African, Aboriginal, Pre-Colombian, Oceanic, American Indian
and South American art. I find their use of colour, intricate design, symbols
and elements of nature, both beautiful and fascinating. In turn I express my
love for clay and colour through my work, using many elements of nature as
inspiration."
Shelley also forms her vessels by using the same clay hand-building techniques
favoured by these cultures, namely coiling and pinching. In the coiling
method, pieces of clay are rolled into long, thin ropes. These ropes are
jointed together during the assembly process, with the aid of slip (a clay and
water mixture) painted onto the upper edges of the coils. The pinch method is
the simplest clay hand-building technique, involving only the use of hands to
wedge a ball of clay and mould it into the required shape.
The following artworks are a representation of the Artist's body of work. A wider
selection
is available for viewing at Afrikana Gallery in South Melbourne. |
