Georgia Stevenson is a ceramic artist who is breaking new ground with her innovative use of waste materials. Her work is a testament to the power of material research and the potential for transformation. Stevenson's journey began with a background in architecture, which has significantly influenced her approach to ceramics. She shares her insights on how this training has shaped her practice and the ideas that underpin her material-led approach.
A Unique Background
Stevenson's architectural training at QUT provided her with a strong foundation to build upon. After graduating, she worked in the industry for three years, which allowed her to develop a shared language with architects and designers. This experience has been invaluable, as it enables her to anticipate the needs of her clients and collaborate effectively. Despite transitioning into ceramics, she still finds herself drawn to the architecture and design community, leveraging her shared language to inform her practice.
The Breaking Ground Research Project
The Breaking Ground research project is at the heart of Stevenson's practice. It began with a curiosity about materials and their origins, as well as a desire to explore the properties that give them certain colors and textures. She started with a family friend's clay from Queensland, testing its potential as a slip, surface treatment, or clay body. This project has evolved, leading her to collect local clays and experiment with various materials, including brick, concrete, and glass.
Sourcing Waste Materials
Stevenson's process for sourcing waste materials is collaborative and community-driven. She initially reached out to builders and architects, but soon realized the abundance of construction and demolition materials in urban areas. This led her to use materials like brick, concrete, and glass, as well as construction by-products. Her early work established a baseline for understanding the properties of different materials, and she now uses this knowledge as a material library for commission work.
Transforming Waste into Usable Ceramic Material
The process of transforming waste into usable ceramic material is a meticulous one. Stevenson starts by collecting materials from construction sites, sorting and pre-crushing them by hand. She then uses a rock-crushing machine to refine the material into a consistent powdery mix. This mix is tested in different ways, incorporating it into clay bodies or applying it as glazes. The process involves multiple rounds of testing and kiln firing until a desired outcome is achieved.
Favorite Waste Material
Stevenson is particularly drawn to demolished concrete, which she finds unassuming yet transformative. After firing, it produces stunning glazes with gold speckles and crystal formations. She is interested in further researching and developing this material, exploring its potential in various applications, including landscaping and public spaces.
Technical Challenges
One of the biggest technical challenges Stevenson faces is incorporating non-plastic materials into the clay body. She has had to adapt her techniques, leaning into the material's unique properties and exploring alternative methods like hand-building and slip casting. This has pushed her to embrace the constraints and find new ways to work with the materials.
Architecture and Waste Materials
Stevenson's creations have been applied in architectural projects, primarily as tiles. She has worked on residential and commercial projects, transforming materials like bricks and concrete into unique, handmade tiles. Her work offers architects and clients a more handmade approach, celebrating the local and meaningful aspects of the materials used.
Client and Collaborator Response
Clients and collaborators have been receptive to the idea of using waste materials. They view these materials as existing resources rather than waste, and are proud to share the stories behind the materials used in their spaces. There is a growing shift in the industry, with demolition plans being reframed as material reuse plans, further emphasizing the value of these resources.
Knowledge Sharing
Stevenson is committed to knowledge sharing and has created a material catalogue on her website, documenting the characteristics and observations of different materials. She also co-founded Alternative Ceramics Supply, a platform that provides accessible material information for potters. Her work aims to reduce landfill waste and empower other potters to create meaningful work, taking control of the supply chain.
In conclusion, Georgia Stevenson's work is a testament to the power of material research and the potential for transformation. Her unique approach to ceramics, informed by her architectural background, offers a fresh perspective on waste materials and their applications. Through her innovative process and commitment to knowledge sharing, she is breaking new ground and inspiring others to explore the possibilities of waste materials in art and design.
