GROUNDWORKS is on view at County Hall Pottery, London
May 12 – June 29, 2025
County Hall Pottery is proud to host GROUNDWORKS, an innovative exhibition examining the relationship between raw materials and ceramics through the lens of scientific exploration and sustainable practices. This thought-provoking exhibition bridges the gap between chemistry, craft, and environmental consciousness.
GROUNDWORKS presents a dynamic collection of geological specimens, material experiments, and ceramic works that trace the transformative journey from earth to form. The exhibition highlights the intricate processes that shape contemporary sustainable ceramic practices, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the intersection of scientific understanding and artistic expression.
Born from the material research interviews conducted by GLOST Glaze and the decades-long investigation into ceramic materials by founder Elena Gileva, GROUNDWORKS delves into the transformative nature of glazes and raw materials. Visitors will explore a wide array of approaches to material investigation—from traditional glaze testing techniques to cutting-edge material combinations—reflecting the diverse possibilities within ceramic material development.
Some artists, including Phil Root, investigate the potential of local clay bodies and ash glazes, while others push boundaries with unconventional materials and experimental processes, such as Golden Earth Studio which works with excavation waste from housing developments. This diversity underscores the vital role of sustainability in contemporary ceramics and highlights the innovative spirit driving the field forward.
Featured artists: Phil Root, Steven Sales, Natalia Kasprzycka, Julia Ellen-Lancaster, Agne Kucerenkaite & Ignorance is Bliss, Alternative Ceramic Supply (Amelia Black, Claire Ellis, Georgia Stevenson, Sarah Muir-Smith), Rosanna Martin, Golden Earth Studio, Hyeonyoung Kim.
Elena Gileva, founder of GLOST Glaze, and curator of GROUNDWORKS, remarks: “By examining the intersection of scientific inquiry, artistic practice, and material research, the exhibition reveals how contemporary ceramicists are developing new understanding of materials while considering their environmental impact. GROUND WORKS invites audiences to engage with the evolving narrative of ceramics, where tradition meets innovation, and environmental responsibility takes center stage.”
Contact
gallery@countyhallpottery.com
County Hall Pottery
County Hall, Belvedere Road
SE1 7GP London
United Kingdom
Photos courtesy of the gallery
