In the Woods

‘In the Woods’ includes physical and theoretical outcomes from practice-based research to explore relationships between digital technologies and craft-based ceramic production processes. This work combined computer numerically controlled (CNC) routing and traditional handbuilding processes in the fabrication of Chinoiserie-styled work to comment on relationships between screen-based culture and modern family units. Digital drawings, made with ‘enoto' pen technology, were translated into low relief ceramic surfaces via a combination of CNC routing, mould-making, slip-casting and slab-building. The artefact produced is part of a larger collection of work which was exhibited by the Wills Lane Gallery at ‘Collect’ as ‘New Ways of Making.’ ‘New Ways of Making’ featured work from internationally leading digital craft practitioners, Drummond Masterton, Ismini Samanidou, and Tavs Jorgensen., ‘Collect’ is an international showcase of contemporary craft from high profile craft galleries that is selected by the UK Crafts Council and located in the Saatchi Gallery, London. ‘Collect’ is uncompromising in its demand for work to be of the highest quality and is the most challenging context to exhibit practice-based craft research. ‘In the Woods’ was selected as part of a growing group of objects in contemporary craft and designed works which reflect emergent digital technologies. To selecting these pieces ‘Collect’ worked closely with leading figures of the field through the Craft and Design Research Network in MIRIAD (Manchester Institute for Research in Art and Design, MMU), such as Professor Stephen Dixon.