Description

I’m so excited to share this stoneware sculpture with you – a gentle, feminine figure where glossy green monstera leaves entwine with her raw, earthy torso. The contrast between the rough, rugged body and the lush, glazed foliage feels very alive.

The first time I cut out a monstera leaf it brought me so much joy. In fact, the inspiration came while I was coaxing my variegated monstera back from the brink of death. After a season of struggle indoors, it has since flourished outside in a shady spot, far from the drying effects of central heating. That little victory of revival fed into this piece.

The sculpture itself went on its own journey. At first, it hinted at a pair of flared trousers, then two flamenco dancers. I kept working, trusting my hands and my clever little subconscious to guide me. Slowly, it became clear that the form wanted to be female. Though I resisted at first because I thought it was cheesy, there was a deeper knowing – that click of recognition when you’ve arrived at what the piece truly needs to be. From there, I began shaping her hips, breasts and buttocks, letting the clay push and pull into an organic, weathered surface. I moved carefully away from any hand-marks, so she would feel less made and more unearthed.

If you follow me on social media, you can see a video of her slowly turning.
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For the leaves, I tested eight different green glazes. The final choice has just the right balance of colour, transparency, gloss and a delicate crackle. Still, I held my breath during the firing. Thick glaze can run and flow in unpredictable ways, and I found myself praying to the kiln goddess as it baked. This time, the glaze behaved beautifully – settling into the grooves and exuding a subtle shine without excess drips!