Bridgit Day

May 2024

Could you describe the journey that led you to ceramics? Have you always worked with it, or did you have any previous creative practice?

I’ve always loved art and craft in some form or another, creating and making as a child and later undertaking a Fine Art Degree at Elam, Auckland University. At the time I went through Elam there wasn’t any ceramics. My approach at art school, rather than to become proficient in a particular medium, was to experiment with as many different materials as I could, such as bronze casting, glass slumping, timber and brass. My work was always influenced by nature and a desire to connect people with nature.

After art school I went on to do a Postgraduate Degree in Landscape Architecture. I had the idea that ‘art’ should be all around us and not just in an art gallery. After working as a Landscape Architect for over 22 years in multidisciplinary companies I wanted to return to something more tangible, making something directly with my hands.

At a time in my life when I needed it most, a good friend signed me up to several series of ceramics night classes. And then I was hooked. This then led to an opportunity to do the Diploma in Ceramic Arts, distance learning, through Otago Polytechnic.

Your work seems to be inspired by shapes, textures and internal structures of plant life (seed pods, the inside of a flower, the ocean patina on a shell) and created with a sense of environmental awareness or message. Is that intentional? And if so what is the message?

Yes, my work is inspired by nature and for me that includes us. So as well as being inspired by nature it’s also about being in the world. My work is not political and is not intended to have a strong environmental message. The intention is that people may connect with the work, pause, be curious and hopefully then connect more closely with the natural world around them.

What does your craft teach you about life, or how you want to live?

My ceramics practice gives me an opportunity to slow down and to be more present. It's grounding. It’s also a place to experiment, to play, to make many mistakes, to be curious, to step out of my comfort zone, to learn.

I want to live in a way that is more curious and playful, more process focused rather than results focused. These are some of the things I hope my ceramics will instill in me.

Could you briefly describe your process for this body of work?

I spend time outside, I love walking in nature, I love gardening. Sometimes I collect things; shells, leaves, seed pods, seaweed and live with these things around me, subconsciously absorbing them. I collect books on nature, art and spend time just looking at the pictures. I draw, not beautiful pictures, but forms, ideas. Sometimes I draw to ‘look’ at the form from all angles. Sometimes I create small clay maquettes. And then I start making, working on two or three pieces at a time. Growing them together.

For this particular body of work my focus has been on undiscovered or rarely considered landscapes. Sometimes the miniature world of fungi and lichen, sometimes the wondrous underwater world of corals and sea sponges.

Do you have any goals for the future?

I want to keep creating, keep making. I want to keep improving my technical skills while still pushing the boundaries of what clay can do. There are so many opportunities for learning and growing I want to be open to what might come along rather than having a set path.

How do you balance planning/play/refinement? Do you get stuck in any?

Sometimes I’m highly organised and have a plan, sometimes I realise I just need to let go and let things find their own way, their time. For me there isn’t one approach, it depends on what else is going on in my life.

I do believe it’s important to ‘show up’. I try to dedicate certain days to my ceramics practice. Getting the balance right seems to be an ongoing challenge. I also think play is very important and I don’t believe I do enough of this or allow myself enough time simply to play – it’s a work in progress.

Any comments on collaborating with Finn Ferrier for this exhibition?

It’s neat that Finn and I had connected through Instagram before this opportunity came about and I am very grateful that he is happy for me to exhibit alongside him. I’m really looking forward to meeting Finn and hearing more about his creative process and journey.