The essence of my Ceramic Sculpture is to capture movement
expressing shape and form,
conveying a sensual and lively tension with harmonious balance
and communicating essential human emotions,
thoughts and perceptions.
A kinetic dance!
Daria Coleridge (b1962) is a multi-media artist living between Northamptonshire and London. Since establishing her career in bronze portraits, Daria has developed her love of clay to build a unique practice of dynamic, colourful ceramic sculptures. Inspired by movement and natural forms, her ceramics can range from the intimate vessel to imposing 75cm tall sculptural pieces.
Individual works start life as hand rolled component pieces that Daria deftly builds as bands of clay which will defy gravity. Creating fluid movement in fragments of porcelain paperclay or GT structural clay, each layer breathes life into totally unique twists and textures. Many works resemble qualities of water whilst others replicate the unfurling growth of organic forms. Every piece share a confidence and grace.
Daria was born in Paris and brought up with dual cultural influences from her Italian and American parents. Deeply influenced by her father, the American industrial designer Douglas Forsythe Kelley (T-Chair and Ella Lotus sewing machine), Daria spent 11 inaugural years of her career working as an interior designer for Dennis Lennon. Projects included the Ritz and QEII where she honed her eye for interconnecting space, light and construction.
In 2001, Daria trained as a sculptor at Heatherley School of Fine Art. She later went on to study ceramics and in 2021 completed her MA in Ceramic & Glass at RCA. Her works have been exhibited widely including two exhibitions with Marie Jose Gallery, London and numerous group shows with House of Pots and Chelsea Art Society.
Working Practise and Colour Glaze
My working process starts with sketching ideas in 2D, before building up the work to scale concentrating on getting a fluid shape in porcelain or GT clay. The aim is to achieve a light and airy structure with apertures to create a voluminous translucent form. Harmonious tension , defying gravity.
There comes a moment when I abandon structural balance and fly into spontaneous action to awaken the piece. I leave it for a while and then return to react to it afresh, making final gestures with textured components to achieve lift off.
Colour and application of glaze is an important part of the creative process. My favourite method is to pour glaze on a turntable, this give it a natural organic feel. The alchemy of glaze is transformative in the kiln and after the cooling process it is always exciting see the final piece. I love blues and greens reflecting the water and sky, but also like warm colours and I am on the hunt for a lively pink.
Layering colour and glaze can transform the expression of the piece, giving more depth and radiance of the artwork.
The challenge of creating imagined and unexpected forms keeps me enthralled.
MA RCA CAS
DariaColeridge1@gmail.com
Instagram: ColeridgeDaria
www.dariacoleridge.com
Education
2019-21 MA Royal College of Art, Ceramics & Glass, London
2014-19 Ceramics, Heatherley School of Fine Art, London
2001-03 Sculpture Diploma, Heatherley School of Fine Art, London
1981-82 Interior Design Diploma (with Distinction) -Inchbald School of Design, London
1980-81 Art Foundation CourseCambridge College of Art & Technology, Cambridge
Forthcoming Exhibitions 2025
House of Pots (@PfitzArts) - March 4-16
London Craft Week - @LCW2025 - Open Studio, 54 Ovington Street, SW3 2JB - May 12-16
Secret Ceramics for Fired Up4 - Christies, 8 King's Street, SW1Y 6QT - May 12-18
Chelsea Art Society - Chelsea Town Hall - June 18-23
British Art Portfolio - June 19-July 3
CAS, Sloan Stanley - October
Solo Show - November
Exhibitions 2024
DFC Solo Show Christmas Spirit Sale - December
Bronze Camel - Grocer's Livery Company - December
British Art Portfolio, Northamptonshire - April & November
Wedding Commission - Milan - June
CAS Sloane Stanley - Chelsea Story - November
CAS 75th Annual Exhibition - June
2023
Floradise @MarieJoseGallery - 18th April/23 June
Chelsea Art Society - May/June
House of Pots 3 (@PfitzArts) - Cheyne Row London - September
Ceramic Private Commission for Italian Client
Bronze Camel - Guinness Asset Management - Corporate Commission
2022
House of Pots 2 - September
Exhibition of 10 works sold for Residential Property in Eaton Square, London
'All Eyes on You' @MarieJoseGallery 17-30 March
Ceramic Camel Sculpture - Grocer's Company, City of London
2021-14
Metanoia - Cromwell Place - RCA Graduate Show - December 2021
House of Pots (@PfitzArts) - Cheyne Row, Chelsea - October 2021
Sketch - 11 Avenue Studios, London - July 2021
Online Show MA RCA - June 2021
Design Museum, Cabinet of Curiosity, MA RCA C&G - July 2021
2019 Chelsea Art Society - May/June 2019/2017
2018 Hurlingham Club Art Show, London - March
2017 DFC Solo Show - Queen Elm's Square, London - September
2015-16 DFC Solo Show - John Cullen Lighting, Kings Road, London - September
2014 Art for Youth London , Art for Youth Oxford
Commissions
2023 10 piece commission. Eaton Square, London
2022-24 The Camel, Grocer's Company, City of London
2003-23 Bronze Portraits for clients throughout UK.
Work Experience
1991-95 Douglas Kelley Associates, Industrial & Commercial Property Designers - 5 star Hotels in Milan, Rome, Portofino, Italy
1983-91 Dennis Lennon & Partners, Architects and Designers - Interior Designer - Ritz Hotel, Stafford Hotel, QEII, Cunard, Trafalgar House