DARIA COLERIDGE

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.