Louisa on BBC Radio Somerset

I was interviewed about the residency for BBC Somerset radio this morning. Here is the link if you would like to hear it.

Scroll through to 1:55 on the bar

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00p20dd

I'm at the V&A!

Hello V&A! I'm here in room 143 Ceramic Studio, Ceramics Galleries- Floor 6! Come and see me on these days:

http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/1615/open-studio-louisa-taylor-ceramics-resident-2757/

The ceramic studio

Some of the exhibits

Hello - it's been a while since my last post and there is a lot to tell you! As many of you are aware, I started my residency at the V&A at the beginning of January and so far I enjoying every minute of it. It's taken me a bit longer than I thought to get settled into my new routine of going to the museum and working there day to day. I am so used to my own studio and making pots to sell that I actually felt guilty for spending days not making anything but instead wandering around the museum all day long just looking at objects. Of course I know that this is important to spend time researching but its been so long since I've had free time to myself - for myself - that is was quite a strange feeling.

When I started, by coincidence there was a course about the history of food which I have been attending for the last 8 weeks. It couldn't have come at a better time because as a tableware maker I now feel that I have a better understanding of the context surrounding dining rituals - why particular objects developed to suit functions/fashions. This is already feeding into my practice and sparking some exciting lines of enquiry. Its refreshing to see the subject from a non-ceramic point of view because sometimes I feel so bogged down with techniques and glaze recipes. It's great to think about the future of food and something that I feel strongly about is; how eating meals together can create stronger bonds within the family unit and/or other human relationships. My aim for the coming weeks is to create objects that reflect this notion to encourage sharing and evoke discussion at the table.

I will keep you up to date with news and photos of the developing pieces. At the moment I am working a range of pickle pots..............

My Book: Ceramics: Tools and Techniques for the Contemporary Maker. Published by Jacqui Small

It's here at last! My book is out and available from all good book retailers. So far it has had a positive review and lots of nice comments.

The image on the right is the USA version: Ceramics Bible, Chronicle Books

Here is the blurb for the book:

Ceramics Tools and Techniques for the Contemporary Maker
by Louisa Taylor
£30

Ceramics is a beautiful and authoritative reference book by a multi-award-winning ceramicist. Comprehensive and visually arresting, it is a compelling examination of ceramics design, materials and techniques. Ceramics is the first title in a new range of books, the Contemporary Craft Collection.

The book walks the reader through the entire ceramic design process. It examines traditional methods alongside gorgeous contemporary styles and adaptations, to offer a unique and inspirational insight into the art and craft of ceramics for today’s artisan.

Interviews with leading international designers provide an understanding of the range of different working methods, materials, and developing techniques. Ceramics features step-by-step workshops, 700 full-colour illustrations and photographs and instructions on ceramic methods and techniques. The comprehensive resource section details the practicalities of learning about and selling ceramics in the contemporary market.

Louisa Taylor is a multi-award-winning ceramicist based in London. Alongside producing and selling her own range of internationally successful tableware, Louisa also teaches at the University of Brighton, and she is a professional member of the Crafts Potters Association and Contemporary Applied Arts.

Good news to tell you! I will be the Artist in Residence at the Ceramics Studio, Victoria & Albert Museum London from 24th Jan 2012- 24th July 2012. So excited, can't wait!

Tutone vase

One of my vases in use - image sent to me by one of my customers who gave this piece as a wedding gift to her niece.

S E T T L E temporary contemporary store Nov 18th - 9th Dec

S E T T L E
www.settle2010.blogspot.com

Eleanor Pritchard - Woven Textiles
Helen Minns - Print
Louisa Taylor - Hand thrown Porcelain
Stefanie Legros - Midcentury Furniture

a conversation across materials and practices

modern design with a nod to tradition

rhythm, restraint and detail

muted tones cut through with unexpected accents

an understated domestic aesthetic

Temporary contemporary store opening 18th Novemeber at No12 Wobben Walk London, nearest tube Euston. Details to follow shortly.

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Handmade in Britain - Showcase of my work at The Conran shop, Fulham 18th Oct-19 Nov 2010

A few months ago I was asked by The Conran Shop if I would like to be one of their featured makers for a new craft area in the shop. This was an offer that I could not refuse and after many discussions, the creative director (at the time) Polly Dickens challenged me to make a new range of work specially for the show. There is not one stacking cup in sight, instead I have made a collection which is a progression of the colour compostitions series I launched last year. There is a limited 10 piece edition (x2) of the Oriole supper set and I have also made groups of nesting bowls and condiment sets.

Come and see for yourself and let me know what you think of this new direction in my work.

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