About Us + Our Materials
A Story of Pots + Pencils
Stephen Farnan, a potter by trade, has carved out a unique niche in the art world not just through his pottery but also through his delicate sketches using pencils and pens. His artistic journey is a testament to his creativity and skill in working with a diverse range of materials such as porcelain, clay, wood, aluminium, and more recently, oil on canvas.
What captivates viewers about Stephen's work is the intricate detail he infuses into each piece. Whether it's the fissured & cracked glazes and jagged edges of his porcelain, the interplay between earth-toned ceramics and flowing glazes, or the powerfulness of his aluminium artworks, each creation tells a story of craftsmanship and innovation.
Stephen continually pushes the boundaries of his art, exploring new materials and techniques, which enriches his portfolio over time. His dedication to evolving his craft ensures that each piece he creates is not just an object, but a dynamic reflection of his artistic journey.
Porcelain
Each of Stephen's "Captured Memories" are a distinctive, handcrafted piece, showcasing the beauty and individuality of the material. Starting with hand-rolled porcelain, each piece is meticulously cut, ripped, and stamped, creating a raw, textured foundation. This process ensures that no two pieces are ever identical, as each form takes on its own organic shape.
The porcelain is then coated in a rich crackle transparent glaze and fired to 1220C, which adds a layer of depth, accentuating the surface of the porcelain. Finally, ceramic decals of Stephen’s sketches are carefully placed onto each piece and re-fired to 850C. These elements combined give each "Captured Memory" its unique character, making every piece truly one of a kind.
Red Earthenware
A significant portion of Stephen’s work is made using simple yet timeless red earthenware, often paired with just a touch of glaze. As Stephen would say, "it’s pretty simple," but the beauty lies in this simplicity. The earthenware, known for its natural, 'rough' texture, will gradually soften over time with use, evolving in both feel and appearance.
This raw texture, when contrasted with the wet, flowing glazes, highlights the material's authentic, humble character. The glaze accentuates the earthenware’s earthy warmth, creating a balance between the ruggedness of the clay and the smoothness of the glaze, showcasing the material's true charm in each piece.
Wood
For our large wood pieces, we work with exceptional marine-grade hard plywood, chosen for its durability and character. Each piece is carefully hand-selected by Stephen, who personally sands and finishes the surface to bring out the natural beauty of the wood. The grain patterns, whether bold or subtle, along with knots and other natural imperfections, give each piece its own distinct identity.
What makes these wood pieces particularly special is their evolving nature. The artwork’s colour and texture will shift over time, influenced by the environment in which it’s displayed. This natural transformation is something we embrace, as it adds a layer of charm and uniqueness to the work. Each piece, like the wood itself, tells its own story.
Aluminium
Stephen's aluminium pieces are truly exceptional, refined through years of dedication and experimentation. These works stand out not only for their distinctive quality and meticulous detailing but also for the ingenuity with which Stephen transforms a simple material into extraordinary art. Each piece showcases his ability to elevate aluminium, turning it into something remarkable and unique.