Into the world of Ceramic Artist ...
CAMILLE BIDDELL
A mini interview with CAMILLE BIDDELL
Ceramic artist and facilitator, whose exquisite and expressive art will be joining our Makers Market this Spring in Edinburgh.
Sunday 6th April hosted at Fruitmarket Gallery
How would you describe your Art?
I make functional sculptural pottery that is playful, colourful and full of texture. I hand-build using slabs, sometimes combining thrown elements. The flat surfaces of the slabs are canvases for experimentation in pattern and layering which I then translate into objects. The serendipity of this process means that each piece is unique.
What inspires your practise?
At the moment I am very inspired by metalwork – from heritage wrought iron, corrugated sheds, to pewterware. There is a derelict car market I cycle past on my way to my studio that is finding its way into my current work. The possibility of function is important to me, and I take inspiration from traditional vessel forms, such as 18th century Staffordshire creamware and European porcelain. I enjoy subverting traditional processes.
Where does an idea begin?
I move around a lot and my ideas are very linked to place: local architecture, history, the people I meet. But really it is in the studio when I try putting these ideas into form, the spontaneity of working with clay will plant a seed that leads to somewhere new. I work intuitively so I am often led by making.
What has been the most impactful experience on your work to date?
From 2022-24 I was lucky to be a student at Clay College Stoke, a small school offering a skills-based diploma in ceramics. It completely transformed my work, giving form to many ideas I had been unable to articulate in clay. I owe a lot of what I know to my incredible tutors Kevin, Zeita and Ben.
Explore CAMILLE BIDDELL work further Website | Instagram
Meet Camille alongside a curation of independent makers at our upcoming Market in Edinburgh. Come say hello! Sunday 6th April at Fruitmarket Gallery on Market St, next door to Waverley Station.
Entry will be free - find out more here
Char x