Wall plaque

The dynamic interaction of glaze and texture on the surface of this large clay canvas is mesmerising. Claude Champy creates an abstract composition, pressing, piercing and splicing into a raw clay slab. A mix of glazes are ladled across the surface which also shows areas of resistance. The varying crackles, soft pink tones and deep black striations evoke geology and landscape. These are the unique result of the wood firing process in a one chamber kiln.

Champy’s work balances control and chance. He says, ‘the idea of using clay and fire for me is to accept in advance that part of the final result escapes me (negative or positive)’. [2] Additional works by Champy in the Sainsbury Centre Collection (see 50732 and 50734) demonstrate his exceptional understanding of glaze chemistry.

Champy lives and works in Plaisir, France, with his wife, the raku ceramicist Nani Champy-Schott, who also features in the Collection (see 50735).

Sim Panaser, August 2020

[1] Demonstration by Claude Champy, 2019, <https://vimeo.com/311228231> [accessed 25/08/20].

[2] Claude Champy quoted in, 8 artistes & la terre, (La Rochegiron: Argile Editions, 2009).