Artist Statement
Jo Walker is a potter working from her studio, just outside Dunfermline in Fife. Her work is mainly wheel-thrown in high fired stoneware and comprises of pieces both functional and decorative. The work is decorated using the technique of sgraffito: when the work is partially dry it is dipped into a contrasting coloured slip. The design is then scratched through the coloured slip to reveal the white clay body underneath. Different tools leave a different quality of line and this is further enhanced by leaving the decorated surface unglazed to emphasize the intricate line work. This matt finish contrasts with a shiny glaze, used to line the pieces and provide accents around rims and bases.
Inspiration for Jo’s work comes from two different strands; nature, in particular, wild plants and mid-century architecture and pattern. The botanical pieces champion the weeds that grow often overlooked and berated, their architectural beauty given a chance to shine while the geometric designs depict a detailed interplay of pattern and form, resulting in a very complex graphic surface.