Kit Hemsley
Kit was inspired and taught ‘A’ level ceramics by Mal Magson, over 30 years ago. She finally acquired a kiln in November 2015, and has been exploring clay, a bit like a kid in a sweet shop, as she now has the time and equipment to indulge her fascination.
Kit creates forms influenced by a childhood on the coast near Whitby and also by the clay itself. Her work falls into two distinct ranges at the moment and reflects the clay she is using.
Kit’s Parian and porcelain work mirrors coastal textures, colours and forms. Clay coloured with oxides, stains and underglazes is used to create movement in her pieces. Natural materials such as shells, fossils and coral are used to mark some of her work. Kit often uses Parian clay, which she loves as it is self-glazing, only needs to be fired once, and it is semi translucent in places. The shapes are formed over rollers, cardboard or moulds.
Kit’s other work uses stoneware or Ashraf Hanna Raku clay to create very tactile forms based on shapes from nature. She burnishes, sawdust fires and waxes the pieces which gives the clay a very organic texture and patina.
“My processes ensure all my work is as individual as a fingerprint. I don’t want to be limited in my style or forms, I’m making up for lost time – who knows where my journey will take me!” … Kit Hemsley
Kit creates forms influenced by a childhood on the coast near Whitby and also by the clay itself. Her work falls into two distinct ranges at the moment and reflects the clay she is using.
Kit’s Parian and porcelain work mirrors coastal textures, colours and forms. Clay coloured with oxides, stains and underglazes is used to create movement in her pieces. Natural materials such as shells, fossils and coral are used to mark some of her work. Kit often uses Parian clay, which she loves as it is self-glazing, only needs to be fired once, and it is semi translucent in places. The shapes are formed over rollers, cardboard or moulds.
Kit’s other work uses stoneware or Ashraf Hanna Raku clay to create very tactile forms based on shapes from nature. She burnishes, sawdust fires and waxes the pieces which gives the clay a very organic texture and patina.
“My processes ensure all my work is as individual as a fingerprint. I don’t want to be limited in my style or forms, I’m making up for lost time – who knows where my journey will take me!” … Kit Hemsley
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