I have a studio in Brighton, where I make the majority of my work. With my influences from myths and cultures from around the world and my own heritage of Scottish and Japanese I’m able to experiment and create new work.
Individually pressed leaves make up this figure.
(Left to Right) Coyote, Anansi, Monkey King, Raven and Tanuki
Coyote, with Raven and Stag mask
Collection of work I created while at an artist in residence at Guldagergaard, International Research Centre in Denmark. Recently graduated and meeting international artists was a wonderful time. The work, using my trickster character explores the theme of duality. Not is the sense of right and wrong, but in strengths and weaknesses of character, the inner struggles we deal with. Learning to balance what we shown and the decisions we make.
Collection of work I created while on an artist in residence at Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park, Japan. I received funding from Wales Art Council to help explore my Japanese heritage and their rich history of ceramic art. Exploring Japanese myths from forest spirits, Kintaro and transforming animals I scaled up my work, creating some of the largest sculptural pieces to date.
If you want to read by blog posts from my time in Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park, please click the link below:
http://sayamyceramics.blogspot.co.uk/
I do take commissions, these photos show some previous examples of work I have made. Some of my proudest work has been made for friends or family. Please feel free to get in contact me me if there is a project or idea you would like me to work on. You can use the contact form or email me at saya_my@hotamil.co.uk
Who doesn’t love getting into the Christmas spirit! I started making my Christmas decorations for fun and to sell cheaply at a open studio event and its just carried on year after year. Using porcelain paper clay the decorations are strong and lightweight. I have even used on special occasions gold lustre to add sparkle and reflect all those Christmas tree lights.
ORIGAMI VASE COLLECTION
This collection of work has been inspired by my Japanese heritage and love of origami patterns. The design colours and feel of the washi paper. Using porcelain clay for the beautiful finish and purity of colour. Exploring traditional and modern patterns for inspiration, and creating the hexagonal forms by slab building. I have designed drawings in Adobe Illustrator then laser cut for stencilling. Applying underglaze colours by hand which you can then feel the pattern. Exploring vibrant colours with which to create some fun and unique pieces.
FEATHERED VASES
This collection was inspired by a the beautiful colours and diversity in birds, especially the paradise birds. The vivid colours and combinations enticed me out of my more muted colours I previously concentrated on to try something bold and new. Labour of love as each feather is scored and gently attached to the vase forms.
I studied ceramics at Cardiff School of Art & Design. In my final year due to my interest in mythology I was recommended to read the book ‘Trickster makes this world’ by Lewis Hyde and it changed my direction permanently. I have found a constant muse in Trickster and what the character creates, evolves and challenges me with in my creative path.