“Artyfacts – Purpose: Unknown; Origin: Unknown” Over the years of making ceramics, I have developed a love of medieval arms and armour, along with objects of religious devotion from the same period. I have made numerous pieces, ranging from small sculptures to large uplighters & candle wall-torches which, I hope, express something of those dark times in European history In the background, there has always been my passion for things astronimical, futuristic and technological. In my series “Purpose: Unknown; Origin: Unknown” I have sought to give my work the impression of recently-discovered ancient artifacts, perhaps technological devices or objects used in various unknown rituals, their exact origin and purpose left to the speculation and imagination of the observer. This, for me, brings together both the ancient and the futuristic into the present, indicating the three periods of time. Visions of our universe have also served to inspire me greatly, along with humanity’s efforts to reach out and explore the so-called ‘final frontier’: The barren, yet beautiful landscapes of the Moon; the majesty and mystery of our other planetary neighbours; the magnificent forms and miriad colours of galaxies and nebulae. The works are made through a combination of hand-building techniques with some impressed and stippled surface decoration. I utilise grogged stoneware clay bodies, matt stoneware glazes & colouring oxides on most pieces to achieve an 'earthy', just-excavated look, to give the work the appearance of having been eroded over time and thus, conjuring a sense of quiet mystery. On others, I use a selection of earthenware industrial glazes which I find produce the ‘special effects’ I am looking for. Stephen Salmon June 2008
				| portfolio - product - ornamental - sculptural | background - steve salmon - exhibitions - manifesto | | contact | info@salmonceramics.com | terms | 5 Gilston Road, Chelsea, London, SW10 9SJ | website by Nick Day Design