Deb Taylor
Potter & Jewellery Designer
English-born Deb Taylor has been working as a potter and ceramic artist for 15 years. Based in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs she is a former student of the National Art School and is a potter in residence at the University of NSW’s Blockhouse and her home.
Working in delicate porcelain, which she describes as ‘the princess’ of all materials, Deb is a passionate artisan who feels a rush of excitement every time she opens her kiln door. Describing her methodology as technically disciplined but free flowing, she approaches every piece as an individual creation allowing it to take on its own form and not be moulded by preconceived ideas – making no two pieces 100% alike.
Over the past few years, Deb’s gorgeous porcelain ceramics, and more recently her beautiful handmade jewellery, have attracted a loyal following at Sydney’s popular Paddington Markets and Bondi Beach Markets. Her works can be found in private collections across the globe and have been exhibited at Spirit Level Designs (Redfern), Tap Gallery (Darlinghurst), and Catbird Gallery (Dungog).
Artist's Statement
By Deb Taylor
What drew me to porcelain were the soft, muted colours and the stunning interplay between the light and the fine porcelain forms. I found the combination of the stark whiteness and translucency utterly captivating.
Whether it be my gutsy mortar and pestles or a set of fine bowls in Limoges porcelain, making tactile and functional pieces seems the most natural thing to me – pieces that become part of our lives, our feasts, our ceremonies and special experiences. Decoration is minimal at most, a dimple here, a groove there. Subtle interruptions to flow are sufficient to give each piece an appeal of it’s own. I believe quiet things have a strong presence that silently invite you to pick them up and enjoy them.
The porcelain lanterns are hand-built and formed in such a way that allows for a papery, organic appearance, which enhances their translucency. They stand in a brilliant cluster during daylight and transform into warm, glowing creations as night falls.
Adding jewellery to my range has been a recent adventure for me and as the diversity of materials and media that interest me increases I’m regularly designing new pieces. In addition to my current beaded range, I’m drawing on my love of porcelain, metals and the written word to create new work.
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