Sculptural objects: the elemental
Words: Tous Mag | Image Credits: © Julie Nelson |
Julie Nelson is a British ceramicist who explores the visual connections and regularities found across the natural world. Her work focuses on the elemental and she crafts in a series, often exhibiting objects in groups that both contrast and interrelate. Read the full interview, about her work and inspiration, below!
Tous Mag: Where is your studio based?
Julie Nelson: My studio is a converted coach house in Brighton. It sits behind one of the grandest Edwardian squares in the city and is 5 minutes from the beach.
Tous Mag: What's your favourite aspect of your studio?
Julie Nelson: It has to be the window which fills the studio wall as daylight is vital to make all my work.
Tous Mag: How would you describe the art scene in Brighton?
Julie Nelson: Brighton is a very creative city. It has a history of being alternative and independent and has a big annual arts festival, and it’s also close to London so we have easy access to the capital too.
Tous Mag: What sort of pieces do you make and where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Julie Nelson: I hand build sculptural objects in clay. I look for visual connections between biological forms and the natural environment. I’m as interested in a large form as I am in the tiny detail of the surface texture. Inspiration could come from a landscape or the ridges on a tiny shell. I spend a lot of time experimenting with slips and glazes to achieve an elemental feel to the pieces. I grew up by the coast so it’s fitting to be back living next to the sea again after many years in London. This has a huge influence on me, the weathering, rounded forms and the elements.
Tous Mag: Are there any other artists that inspire you?
Julie Nelson: The mid 20th century designers and artists have always inspired me, my parents collected Scandinavian design, and had a very modern outlook. Charles and Ray Eames had such enthusiasm for their projects, Axel Salto, Valentine Schlegel and Elizabeth Joulia for their response to nature, James Tower for his shapes and surfaces, and Barbara Hepworth of course.
Tous Mag: How did you learn your craft and what ignited the start of it?
Julie Nelson: I was brought up by a creative mother and musical father, though neither pursued careers in the arts. They were both self taught so we had books on everything, especially art and I now realise how much this influenced me. I studied for a degree in 3D design in London and specialised in ceramics. I will always be learning from the material.
Tous Mag: Are there any particular techniques or motifs that you use throughout your work?
Julie Nelson: The idea of repetition appeals to me, reproducing but with inherent variation. Like nature, every act of replication has some element of randomness - small changes that make up the richness of life. Ceramics is the perfect material to explore this concept as it is so sensitive to its environment, the heat from your fingers, the water content, the time taken to make a piece and then there is the magic of the kiln. It’s all chemistry which is the source of life.
Tous Mag: How do you choose your colour palettes, and what materials do you use to facilitate your pieces?
Julie Nelson: I love muted, calm and earthy colours. I think it must go back to my childhood on the coast in Devon and Cornwall. I also like to contrast black and white which can be dramatic though entirely natural. I love to sculpt with stoneware and incorporate porcelain for contrast.
Tous Mag: Do you have any ambitions you're working towards?
Julie Nelson: I am continuing to develop my collection of ceramics which responds to the world around me. I also hope to continue my Flock project bird installation which explored the theme of nature patterns on a much larger scale.
Tous Mag: What are you most proud of in terms of your designs, achievements, creativity or just generally?
Julie Nelson: I was sceptical that people would buy my work, sight-unseen via the internet, but I have been amazed by how my ceramics have sold around the world from Australia to Los Angeles.
Tous Mag: What do you like to do in your spare time when you aren't making?
Julie Nelson: I enjoy cooking for friends, reading, drawing, editing the many photos I take, and anything with my kids.
Tous Mag: What is your favourite album/piece of music that you like to play when creating?
Julie Nelson: Kamasi Washington is a current favourite and I love an absorbing podcast.
