Katrin Moye

We can all remember objects from our childhood homes that were in constant use – a picnic blanket for family outings, cushions on the sofa or a favourite mug – that come to represent for us a period of our lives by evoking many layers of memories through repeated use, and become symbols of the environment they belong in. In this way they rise above their original functionality to achieve a talismanic status. These objects are far more likely to be humble, functional items than the decorative ones placed out of harm's way on the mantelpiece or shelf.

Sometimes, these objects can reveal a period of family history that provides a window onto larger events of significance to everyone. It is for this reason that I make functional ceramics, as opposed to purely decorative items. I would like to think that some of my work might achieve a symbolic status in another family's lives by becoming a well-used and familiar part of their domestic scenery.

Since January 2007 I have been working on a range of patterns inspired by memories of such items from my own childhood, and have named them after family members that they represent to me. For example, 'Johnny' comes from a shirt that my dad wore when I was very young – one of my first memories is of my vision being completely filled with the pattern in the weave of this shirt as my dad carried me. 'Christa' is an adaptation of a pattern on a set of plastic herb containers that were in my aunt's kitchen.

I plan to continue working on this theme, developing patterns mainly from textiles such as cushions, curtains and clothes from my childhood.

Prices range from: £19 - £108

Fox and Hens Cream Jug
ceramic

Fox and Hens Cups
ceramic

View all ceramics by Katrin Moye

cambridge contemporary crafts

cambridge contemporary art

Newsletter

Own Art Loan Scheme