Meg Durham

As an artist I aim to explore within my practice, how the physical can express the inner state of being. I contemplate elements of human existence.

The use of clay in my studio here in Buckinghamshire as the pre-dominant material within my work is of emotional importance to me. I find comfort in the material. The cool, malleable nature of clay has the ability to be shaped into forms that hold physical memory of shape. As I work, I converse with the clay. The memories of my younger self become solid in their state of being, via the manipulation of clay.

I can touch, hear, and feel those experiences and am able to reframe them with an adult’s understanding reaching acceptance and healing. The motion of my hands and thoughts blend with the materiality of clay. The work, itself is inspired by personal experiences, but the making process acts as a vehicle for catharsis. It provides a safe inner and physical space where I can explore my own narratives and create a body of work with subtle hints of altered human forms with their depth of textures and marks indicating past traumas and healing.

I do not view ceramics as just a material to be utilised in the making of craft but to be a strong voice of my own ideologies. I am happy to embrace other supporting found objects and materials within my art practice to tell my narrative.