This week Brighton Journal spoke to Lewes-based ceramicist, Tanya Gomez. Inspired by “the endless horizon,” Tanya’s cylindrical, colourful porcelain vessels combine her dynamic throwing, cutting and assembling techniques. Her work is currently on display at Meiklejohn Gallery until September 15th, as a part of the ongoing annual Artwave Festival. We discussed Tanya’s new collaborations, her international exhibitions, and how the local landscape informs her work. Keep reading to find out more about her expressive, vibrant ceramics.
What are you doing today?
Being excited to have some headspace as the children have gone back to school. Organizing.
Describe where you do most of your creative work.
Most of my making is done in the studio. I work intuitively, as making one vessel leads to another. Techniques and thought processes come alive.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve worked on?
Being selected for COLLECT Open in 2017 and made “A day”, an installation that comprised of 44 vessels and a 3m x 5m printed canvas. Also last year I had the opportunity to exhibit in San Francisco at MARCH.
What made you decide to become an artist?
My gut.
What are you currently working on?
Promoting one to one lessons at the studio in Lewes, and starting a collaboration with a company called Lignereux. Creating exciting new pieces which will incorporate metal pieces.
What are the key themes in your work?
The ocean – water and the elements.
What would you like people to notice about your work?
Life, a sense of depth in the glazes and that they have a warming attraction.
What attracts you to the medium you work in?
The endless possibilities.
What equipment could you not do without?
My gas kiln.
Who or what inspires you?
The endless horizon.
How is your work affected by living in this area?
The undulating hills of the downs have seeped into my work. Recently a vessel came out and I named it Flood Plains. Where I live I can go up the hill and see across to Newhaven and Firle, where there are flood plains – when we had the heavy rains late last year for three months there was a lot of reflecting water.
What’s your favourite thing to do locally?
Being out in the fresh air and our new Stand up paddleboard.
What’s your favourite gallery (or place to see/experience art)?
Turbine Hall at Tate Modern, and Erskine Hall and Coe off Old Bond Street, London.
If you could collaborate with one artist, from any time, who would it be and why?
It would have to be Barbara Hepworth and Frida Kahlo. Something magical would come out.
What’s your favourite colour?
Orange and Purple with a high impact of Yellow.
Tanya Gomez’s work is being shown during Artwave Festival at the Meiklejohn Gallery, 1 Malling Street, Lewes BN7 2RA, 10am-5pm until 15th September.
To find out more about Tanya and her work, take a look at her website.
