I had worked in industry as both an embroidery and knitwear designer for a number of years after graduating. I then became interested in the role of craft within overseas development and spent a year teaching and designing before returning to the UK. When I did, I found I wanted to rediscover the identity of my own work and this led to me developing 'ceramic patchwork' after a period of creatively experimenting. Although it is new work, it was inspired by my experience of living abroad (in Mongolia) and picked up many of the themes that have always interested me: material combinations, recycling, building structures, colour and pattern.
I am inspired by lots of makers - artists, designers - really anyone who makes beautifully crafted things. I recently exhibited at COLLECT in London and loved the work of David Bielander - he has created a series of jewellery from silver and white gold, that looks like it is made of corrugated cardboard - a brilliant play on material transformation!
Lots - wait and see! I have recently begun to work with 'kiln cracked' pieces, putting to use the pieces of work that ceramicists make but that don't survive the firing process. It is lovely to be able to work with shapes that have been made by hand by craftspeople that I admire. The first series of these pieces are being exhibited in Craft at the Bay Gallery, Cardiff, Wales. I worked with pieces donated by three makers for this collection and hope to make further series.
Website: http://www.zoehillyard.com