Ancestor Bowls and Prayer Pots

“Ceramics is one of the oldest forms of making, closely associated with the settling of hunter gatherers and the beginning of 'civilisation'. Making these bowls allowed me a direct line back to the ancestors in much the same way as DNA. This is a connection I held consciously in my mind as I was working. It’s a kind of prayer of continuity and thankfulness” 

The bowls were hand formed using a combination of pinching and carving (the very smallest were carved with a surgical scalpel). Natural processes of the clay such as cracking and warping were incorporated as part of the essence of the pots. Many of the surfaces were marked with simple tools. They were then finished with a selection of slips, stains and lustres.

The bowls have an archaeological feel, exploring themes of making that is at the core of what it is to be human. They vary in scale with most being hand or even finger sized, enabling them to communicate directly from maker’s hand to holder’s hand.

Like all Jo’s artworks, she made them as ‘families’ of limited editions. Each set had their own characteristics, and Jo stopped making them when the family was complete.