2022 AWARD WINNER | Staffordshire University

BRIAN WOODS

Staffordshire University | BA(Hons) Designer Maker

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Tell us about yourself, your work, and your career path so far.
I’m from Ireland and based in Stoke on Trent I have just graduated from Staffordshire University (3D Designer Maker) with a first-class honours. My work is based around a theme called ‘Breaking the Mould’ with my work having functional and Sculptural aesthetics. I questioned why we can’t push the boundaries of ceramics further and go in the unexpected direction. Through trial and sometimes failure, the most desired pieces formed as accidental mistakes can also be the best piece. Learning through conventional approaches, where things had been set out for me to make pieces in a traditional manner, I started by producing high quality products. However, I found it limiting and almost replicative as I didn’t feel I could develop my own style as a practitioner. Whereas, if one were to make through the unconventional method with high risk of failure would one learn more? With this approach, I believe it makes me more competent as working this way has helped me explore a range of ideas which will be developed further in the future. Utilising waste material such as cardboard and corrugated paper to create my texture. One being a table piece, vase and pendant lights too. I want to work further in industry, but I am currently working at Duchess China as a mould maker as I want to expand my horizons.

Describe your first encounter with clay?
My first encounter with clay was at college in N. Ireland there was just something pleasing and enjoyable about working with the body. I found it very therapeutic and fun. 

Why did you choose ceramics?
I picked ceramics because it was something completely new at the time there is such a broad spectrum between all the ways off making through coiling, slip casting and glazing etc. There just so many ways of making and so many other clay bodies I still haven’t discovered.

Where do you find inspiration? Places, people, objects, music…
I find inspiration from anything from everyday objects and mostly through personal experiences plus reading and researching into artists especially Lucie Rie and Bernard leach. Current artists that inspire me would be Max Lamb and Luke Fuller. I really love the different cultures from how things have been made throughout the years until now.

What are the tools of your trade that you can't do without?
I couldn’t live without the knowledge from other makers/artist the knowledge they has passed on has been amazing. There is a selected few tool like a lathe machine or a pottery wheel and a whirler. But I suppose you could improvise and make your own.

What is a typical day in the studio like?
My day in the studio is amazing just looking through what other makers have made through sketching, hand building, cad we as students tend to speak to each other and bounce Ideas off one another. Especially having group crits is important because everyone is honest with each other. This environment is just a lovely vibe to be around because everyone is doing there own thing and you never feel like your being left in the dark there is always someone there. The technicians especially have been amazing support and the don’t get credited enough for what they do with the student and as well as the teachers.

What do the next 12 months have in store for you?
Currently I am working as I am taking a year out to save money up to travel to countries with different clay cultures and learn from there ways off making and to either to do a masters, teaching or set up my own studio.

What advice do you have for those currently studying ceramics in further education?
If I was to do everything again, I would say organise yourself with a timetable, set targets and just embraces everything you get given to you don’t be afraid to explore further push the boundaries within making because you never know what you may achieve and if you don’t ask? You don’t get? Visit galleries, read ceramic Review and crafts Magazine. Live in now the now when making Don’t think! Do! Just enjoy your time also.