Lucy Blackley Ceramics
Who I Am…
Baking brings a sense of comfort and nourishment, passed down through generations as cherished family traditions. I want to make cookware that enhances this experience, with a sleek and modern design. The colours on the pieces are influenced by the flavours of the food, emphasizing the taste. I tested various colours until I found four that worked well together.
I want these pieces to feel like a part of your home and fit seamlessly into your baking routine. They are designed to be easy and comfortable to use, inspiring you to bake more. Just as recipes hold sentimental value, I want people to form an emotional connection with my bakeware. It is a tool to create deliciousness and share with others.
Starting as digital designs, I can experiment with many options before making physical replicas through 3D printing. This allows me to create perfect molds for slip casting, making multiple functional pieces. Slip casting enables many people to enjoy baking with the same quality bakeware. I believe that food brings people together, and I want my bakeware set to embody the joy and satisfaction of cooking and sharing delicious meals.
Raku
The other side of my work involves a fascinating and dynamic technique called raku. Raku involves placing the ceramic pieces in a specially designed raku kiln and subjecting them to intense heat, reaching temperatures as high as 1000°C. However, the true magic happens once the pieces are taken out of the kiln. They are placed into reduction buckets that contain various combustible materials, creating an environment of smoke and reduction. This reaction between heat, smoke, and reduction results in the beautiful crackles that are characteristic of raku ceramics.
I have embraced this captivating technique to create my unique animal sculptures, with a particular focus on sheep, highland cows, and donkeys. These creations are deeply influenced by my upbringing in Cumbria, a place known for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Now, as I bring my artwork to Hereford, I'm thrilled to display these animals and share the my Cumbrian roots with a new group of people. Each clay sculpture captures the fundamental qualities and personality of these beloved creatures, making them perfect additions to peoples lives.
