SPEAKING CLAY
I spent my childhood on the island of Funen in rural Denmark. I climbed as many trees as possible, picked apples in our family orchard, and walked the rocky shores. I took in the colours, the smells, sounds and patterns of this tiny community. It was during a visit to my uncle and aunt’s clay studio near Copenhagen that all these impressions came together for me. Their home and studio vibrated with ideas, creativity and art; I felt an immediate kinship.
Clay is natural and of the earth. Working with clay is both grounding and inspiring. All my work is handbuilt (in the world of clay this means made without the use of a potter’s wheel) and I enjoy the freedom handbuilding affords me. There’s no wheel spinning, no sounds, no need to center at the wheel; it is just my hands at work. Most of my pieces are made using the method of slab and coil. Slab work is done by rolling out the clay and forming with slabs whereas coiling means building pieces adding snakes of clay one at a time. This is a very intimate process. By the time I have finished a large piece I will have spent hours working on it. It is a way of communicating; the clay speaks to me, and I translate into my own language. Each piece emerges with its own story.
This passion, acquired in childhood, has accompanied me through my adulthood and all of my years as a ceramic artist.
In the summer of 2023, I moved my clay studio to its new location in the heart of Duncan. Moving a clay studio is no small feat! And, I am thrilled to have it up and firing at the new location.
My new workshop is beginning to remind me of my aunt and uncle’s studio in Denmark where I had my first encounter with the world of clay.
This September 14th between 10am-4pm, I invite you to visit my new space at 1026 Islay Street and explore what I have been up to this past year. I have lots of new works and am excited to share my new designs ranging from cups and mugs to bowls, vases and more sculptural pieces.
OPEN STUDIO
September 14, 10am-4pm
Margit Nellemann Ceramics
1026 Islay Street, Duncan V9L 2E1
T: 250 709 6866