Emily Myers is above all known by her distinctive use of vibrant aquamarine blue glazes. The Matt finish she uses perfectly complements her simple hard edged forms and enhances the metallic qualities of the work. The range of work includes dishes, vases, jars and boxes, which can all be appreciates for their controlled forms and clean lines.
OUTLINE OF MAKING PROCESS
The wheel is central to the work. The use of throwing produces an almost machine-finished quality. Extruded sections (for example, rims added to dishes) give a mechanical precision to the detailing, and make references to metal objects. Press-moulds are used occasionally in order to extend the range of forms and break away from the circular.
White stoneware clay is chosen for its smoothness and whiteness. The glazes are barium and lithium based and fired to around 1200oC, in an electric kiln.
OUTLINE OF INSPIRATION AND IDEAS
The strength of Emily Myer's work lies in its simplicity and bold lines. This austerity is, however, relieved by the vitality of the surface and tonal variations within the glazes themselves. Their matt finish helps to emphasize the metallic qualities of the work. Metal objects (such as armour, scrap car parts, farmyard machinery and archeological metal vessels) are in fact the inspiration for a lot of the work. These she finds particularly interesting once they have been broken down by time and have become corroded and rusty. Verdigris copper was the original inspiration for Emily's use of blues and greens.
Architecture is also a source of inspiration, particularly the domes and minarets of Islamic architecture. These have been translated into round boxes with dome-shaped lids.
