Lynne McCarthy

Sculpture provides a means to convey ideas and experiences through the three dimensional form. With clay I am able to work intuitively and in a random and spontaneous manner. I rarely come to the studio with a fixed idea of what it is I intend to form. Instead, I simply allow the figure to evolve naturally.

The artistic dimension of the work resides not only in the form but in the decoration. When wood firing, I often leave the work unglazed. In this way, the clay is left to react with the prolonged heat, flame and wood ash. At times soda is introduced into the kiln creating additional subtleties in surface decoration. More recently I have explored both primitive smoke and fume firing. During the latter, pieces are exposed to various combustibles, the fumes of which create a multitude of colors and designs.

Relating to the essence of a piece interests me. What is created, what is exposed, what is given life to - these pearls deserve reflection. In capturing an expression or mood, an idea or attitude, a gesture or pose, I hope to give voice to the "inner". Thus, the finished work, a simple composite of earth, air, water and fire informs and gives credence to that which I find meaningful.