MELISSA FOX
Ephemeral Permanence
Ephemeral Permanence is a sculpture consisting of fired and unfired black porcelain clay. Water was added to dissolve and deteriorate the unfired pieces while the fired sculptures remained. The element of water with clay was investigated to add movement and energy to the ceramic objects. Water offered the work another lifespan, briefer and more fragile. To provoke thoughts of ephemeral forms seen in nature, and an appreciation of what we have, while we have it.
Slide show of Ephemeral Permanence, 2023, 41 x 43 x 34cm, Fired and Unfired Porcelain in water. Open in wide view.
The process of metamorphosis using water was something I found successful. Experimenting with how the water will peel back layers and unmake the natural forms created, to see how this impacts the narrative of, and emotional attachment to the piece. A similar process of unmaking I encountered at the V&A, resonating with the work, was by Rebecca Stevenson (Click to view). Combining fired and unfired clay, some sculptures will stand the test of the water while others will fall, dissolve, and alter the colour of the water.