‘My ceramic work is above all else, a celebration of the natural world informed by my daily observations, travels and life in my coastal hometown.’ – Rowena Gilbert
Rowena's production process is intensive, taking several weeks to produce unique pieces. Her work starts scientifically, researching and developing clay slips and her own colours. The next stage is more spontaneous, cutting the clay with metal tools before preparing and firing the final piece. She mixes precision with playfulness, building up many layers of clay slips in a highly controlled manner while making bold marks etched into the surface and applying brushed glazes with impulsivity.
Rowena focuses on exploring the language of abstraction to evoke the elemental power and ever-shifting dynamism of nature, communicating not through narrative and figurative forms, but through mood and momentum.