Finding Harmony: Rebecca Appleby’s Sculptural Journey Through Motherhood and Illness

Rebecca Appleby, a Yorkshire-based ceramic artist, finds herself at a pivotal point in her career. Emerging from a period marked by new motherhood and personal illness, Appleby returns to her studio with a renewed sense of purpose. Her latest series, “Inner Order,” showcased at London’s Contemporary Ceramics Centre, reveals a captivating evolution in her work, one that reflects not only her artistic growth but also her personal journey.

This exploration delves into the heart of Appleby’s artistic process, examining the influences behind her captivating sculptures and the intricate techniques she employs. We’ll uncover the stories woven into her art, stories of resilience, transformation, and the delicate balance between strength and fragility.

A New Chapter: Embracing Vulnerability and Strength

The birth of her child and subsequent health challenges prompted a period of introspection for Appleby, leading to a noticeable shift in her artistic expression. This period of pause, though challenging, allowed her to tap into a deeper well of emotions, resulting in work that feels profoundly personal and authentic.

Gone are the vibrant surface decorations of her previous pieces. Instead, Appleby embraces a raw, minimalist aesthetic, allowing the inherent beauty of the clay to shine through. These earlier sculptures, stripped bare, become powerful metaphors for vulnerability and resilience, mirroring her own experiences.

This shift towards a more personal narrative is a testament to Appleby’s artistic evolution. She embraces her experiences, transforming them into tangible forms that resonate with viewers on a deeper level.

Bridging the Divide: Industrial and Organic Influences

Despite the shift in aesthetic, Appleby’s core artistic exploration remains constant: the interplay between the urban and the organic. She continues to find inspiration in the contrasting worlds of industrial geometry and the fluid forms found in nature.

While earlier works leaned towards curvaceous shapes with industrial undertones, her new pieces, like those in “Inner Order,” echo the organic forms of her earlier creations. However, the underlying tension between structure and fluidity persists, now expressed through carved lines and incised markings that hint at order within the organic.

Appleby’s ability to seamlessly blend these seemingly disparate elements speaks to her artistic mastery. She doesn’t shy away from contradictions but rather embraces them, creating sculptures that are both visually captivating and intellectually stimulating.

The Making of “Inner Order”: A Glimpse into the Process

Appleby’s creative process is a fascinating blend of meticulous planning and intuitive exploration. While she meticulously sketches and paints before embarking on a new sculpture, she views these initial steps not as rigid blueprints but rather as springboards for creative exploration.

Each sculpture begins with hand-building techniques, utilizing coils and slabs of clay to create hollow, rounded forms. This stage, she reveals, is where the magic truly happens. As the clay takes shape, Appleby intuitively molds and manipulates it, finding the perfect balance and stance. It’s a dance between artist and material, where the sculpture’s final form emerges organically.

Surface as Narrative: From Painterly to Sculptural

While Appleby previously employed vibrant glazes and underglazes to create painterly surfaces, her approach to surface decoration has also evolved alongside her forms. In “Inner Order,” she opts for a more restrained palette, utilizing flat colors and incorporating steel framework to accentuate the sense of strength and structure.

The shift from painted surfaces to carved lines further emphasizes the interplay of industrial and organic elements. These incised markings, reminiscent of architectural blueprints or natural growth patterns, add a layer of complexity and depth to the sculptures.

A Legacy of Presence: Connecting with Viewers

Appleby’s sculptures, with their abstract forms and evocative surfaces, invite viewers to engage with them on a personal level. Each piece, imbued with a unique energy and presence, sparks individual interpretations and emotional responses.

The artist herself finds immense satisfaction in witnessing how viewers connect with her work. From her parents, who have grown to see her sculptures as cherished members of their family, to art enthusiasts drawn to their evocative forms, Appleby’s art transcends mere aesthetics, forging a deeper connection with its audience.

Beyond “Inner Order”: A Future of Exploration

Rebecca Appleby’s artistic journey is far from over. Her latest series, “Inner Order,” marks a significant turning point, revealing a newfound depth and maturity in her work. As she continues to explore the intersections of vulnerability and strength, the organic and the industrial, we can only anticipate further evolution and innovation in her future creations.

For further exploration into the world of ceramics and contemporary art:

• The Ceramic Arts Network: https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/ – A vast resource for ceramic artists and enthusiasts, featuring articles, tutorials, and artist profiles.
• The American Craft Council: https://craftcouncil.org/ – A national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting contemporary craft, including ceramics.
• The Tate Modern: https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern – One of the world’s leading modern and contemporary art museums, with a significant collection of ceramics.