Pia Amsell

In my degree project, I am exploring organic shapes in clay, specifically focusing on the botanical cycle of a flower. By using the coiling technique and porcelain clay, I build organic abstract shapes. The coiling technique gives me the opportunity to work slowly and intuitively and in a close dialogue with the material to create my objects.

An essential aspect of my work is the intricate pattern of uneven layers or lines that adorn all surfaces. These patterns are a direct reflection of my making process, which involves layering coils in a manner to create the desired effect. The pattern symbolises growth and development.

As I observe the life cycle of a flower, from its vibrant and sun-seeking youth to its eventual decline under the weight of time and gravity, I am captivated by the process of decay and the eventual return to the earth. The botanical cycle embodies themes of existence, transformation, and impermanence. It also encapsulates the essence of renewal, as the seeds of the past rejuvenate to herald the beginning of a new cycle.