Alice Walton

Ceramicist

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Recreating the everyday in clay

Alice constantly feels the desire to make
She enjoys using traditional techniques in unconventional ways
She feels only your imagination restricts the possibilities of clay

Growing up in a creative household with a textile designer mother, Alice Walton realised from an early age that she wanted to work in an artistic field. Since discovering the neverending possibilities of clay on her foundation course at Wimbledon School of Art, she is now dedicated to this medium and loves experimenting with colours and textures. In a world that is increasingly changing minute by minute she attempts to slow down, allowing her work to steadily evolve, brick by brick, pin mark by pin mark.

Interview

What techniques do you use?
I am a hand builder and enjoy making plaster moulds. I also colour clays and have good knowledge of kiln and studio maintenance. To make my sculptures I use hardly any tools, although my favourite tool is a cocktail stick which I use as a rolling pin to create tiny ribbons of clay.
From where do you draw inspiration?
I am inspired by the things I see around me, specifically objects that we pass by daily: bollards, fences, bridges etc. I enjoy seeing how these objects change depending on the weather, temperature and human impact. The repetitive nature of my mark-making mimics the constant review of these objects.
Describe a key moment in your career?
In 2018 I applied to the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust to support my RCA course. This changed my life. As well as the financial assistance, it gave me confidence to push myself after graduation. The QEST team give incredible support and make you feel part of a new family of makers.
What advice would you give to a budding ceramic artist?
Building a career doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient and persevere. Don’t be put off if an opportunity doesn’t work out. Learn from mistakes. There are always ebbs and flows in workload and you need to be applying for opportunities even when you are busy, as the busy times don’t always last.

Alice Walton is a master artisan: she began her career in 2010 and she started teaching in 2013