Billy Adams Studio Ceramics

Billy Adams is a ceramicist whose work deals with exploring and experimenting with the relationship we have with the landscape. He works within the vessel format, combining textures and colours to give the viewer an intimate insight into his private view of ceramics. This world is a combination of structures and forms interacting with man made elements, provoking the onlooker to question the value of a vessel as a piece of sculpture. Billy prefers to stay within the realms of the vessel. Rims, handles, lips and balance are commonplace within traditional ceramics, yet he uses them in a unique integrated structure which elevates them beyond their own identifiable function and so gives then another meaning. Their conclusive forms are recognised as jugs, bowls and vessels; however, these represent profound arguments concerning issues of an individual’ s perception and memory of an ever-changing landscape. Adams’ vessels incorporate three different types of clay. During the making process, his clay varies in shrinkage; the outer layer shrinks by 14% and the inner layer by 4%. This is highlighted by his glazing technique. Each piece of work is fired between four and five times.