Vivien Garland
Vivien trained as a Ceramic Artist at Liverpool Hope University, gaining a bachelor with honours degree.
Her passion for sculpting developed whilst spending many hours in the plaster room, where she also learnt the techniques of mould making and slip-casting.
She tells me ‘ the process for making a mould from a sculpted piece of art is always a challenge, each comes with its own set of hurdles and I find it a huge pleasure to finish a mould and create from it ’.
Vivien’s work is slip cast using earthenware. Her approach to ceramics is unique in number of ways and a result of this is a beautiful range of very personal , emotional and exquisite pieces of art that will speak to you or speak for you.
Vivien is currently a resident ceramic artist in Holly Lodge girls College , Liverpool
The Smoke Fired Collection:
The Smoke fired collection are a stunning range of Earthenware pots, each unique and each telling a story of the incredible NorthWales Coastline.
They began as a walk along the very picturesque whispering sands, near Abersoch. The vibrant colours and textures of the seaweed and kelp that washed up along the shoreline had Vivien in awe of the surroundings and felt a need to capture that moment forever.
Collecting the brightest shades of pink seaweed and huge lengths of kelp, these were brought back to Liverpool and dried out.
Vivien’s Earthenware pots were prepared to the bisque fired state and still semi - porous, making them reactive to a variety of ingredients in the final smoke firing process.
The pots are stacked into the smoker, with seaweed, kelp, straw, sea salt and a sprinkle of red oxide and ginger , for that shot a colour.
The results of the journey and making process are quite dramatic and has made this collection quite irresistible. Under closer inspection, the detail and markings of the NorthWales coastline are imprinted onto the pieces forever. Timeless pieces to enjoy and continue on their journey with you.
Ceramic Lilies
Vivien ’s lilies are delicate and emotional, with potential to be an an incredibly personal piece of ceramic art . Vivien says ‘ the lily is such a powerful flower, in its structure , its essence and its sense of presence always makes a statement ' .
Vivien’s sculpting and mould making skills has made it possible to create a range of lilies that will last forever. She takes them from the mould prematurely and each flower is shaped by hand , making them unique and individual.
They are glazed and given a dusting of ‘pollen’ and then returned to the kiln. They are then ready for your personal touches of messages / names / poems / verses using a digital transfer process, fired onto the lily at 800’ , lasting forever.
The lily is a gift , a constant reminder of our love that we have for those around us.Precious words to share, to connect our love forever.