Jan Cockell

Waitakere, Auckland, New Zealand

Title: Flared Vase - Pierced and Altered

Year of Creation: 2010

Glaze: Matt white glaze with black stain wash oversprayed

Clay Body: Porcelain

Dimensions: Height 9.5 inches, Width 5.5 inches

Artist's Statement: The beauty and diversity of nature gives me unlimited scope for designs on my work. I enjoy using porcelain clay as it gives me a very satisfying means of incorporating these designs from memories which probably go back to my childhood, of collecting shells and other bits and pieces on the seashore with my family while they were fishing. The bush surroundings where I live now also contribute to the mix.

This series of vases has given me a new shape to work with. The shape initially arose from the tall upward-reaching Nikau palms which grow in my garden, and it has become altered slightly as other natural influences take hold. I am intrigued to find out where it will end.