Meriel Chudleigh
"Decorative and Functional Studio Pottery. Expressively slipped terracotta and wood fired stoneware."
Meriel Chudleigh is a Cornish potter working from her studio in Lostwithiel.
Two seemingly simple materials direct her work, warm red terracotta and luscious creamy slip. Pots are thrown or hand built with attention to structure, proportion and function.
At each stage of making the clay must contain the right amount of moisture. When the surface condition is optimal, Meriel explores liquid slips’ decorating potential, experimenting with movement, opacity and mark making. Fingers, brushes, tools and sponges mobilise coloured slip across the red clay with quiet dabs or bold gestures.
The earthenware body may be revealed, partly veiled or opaquely covered through varying the concentration of suspended microscopic particles. Both vessel and surface need to look and feel right.
The heat of an electric kiln captures and fixes permanence on the materials moments of movement. Through their use, cups, plates, bowls, teapots, jugs, jars and tiles are used in daily rituals and become a beautiful part of your home.
Meriel is developing a stoneware range. Onsite wood kiln construction is due for completion by Spring 2025.