Rupert Spira studied at West Surrey College of Art and Design and from 1980-82 trained with Michael Cardew at Wenford Bridge. His work has been shown in a number of exhibitions, and he has undertaken a range of commissions from 18,000 tiles for a private garden in Paris to large exterior panels for an office development in Ludgate Circus, London. In 1996 he designed a range of works for the Donna Karan store in New Bond Street, London. Spira’s work has changed over the years from Cardewesque wares, with spidery brushed decoration, produced in a rural tradition to something simpler and more metropolitan. His work has become plainer, more severe and less emotional. The works are thrown stoneware and fired in a gas reduction kiln. The glazes – white, black, copper red and celadon – are simple and seductive, with an intensity that emphasises the form of the object. Spira does not regard his work as precious, they are made to be used but for him function is simply part of the dialogue between maker and user.

http://www.rupertspira.com/

Glossary

  • Design

    The arrangement of elements or details in an artefact or a work of art.

  • Reduction

    Firing in a kiln where the supply of oxygen can be limited to prevent full combustion taking place. This will produce carbon monoxide which, if hot enough, will take oxygen from the metals present in both clay and glaze to produce effects totally different from those in oxidised firing. Coppers turn red, iron turns to green, and iron pyrites in clay gives a speckled appearance.

  • Stoneware

    One of the three major types of pottery, the others being earthenware and porcelain. A buff, gray or brown clay is mixed with other clays and ceramic materials to make a heavy, opaque, highly plastic clay body that is fired at a high temperature - above 1200ºC. It is in between earthenware and porcelain in its character. The term stoneware also refers to the clay body and objects made from it.