Remon Jephcott: a Fruitful Relationship
Remon Jephcott: a Fruitful Relationship
I can't remember if it was the tea cup with a fly in the bottom or the rotting apple that first attracted me to Remon Jephcott's distinctive ceramics. I first came across them back in 2010 when I was curating one of my first ever exhibitions - the theme was Gothic Revival and I knew instantly that Remon's work had to be part of it. Fast forward eleven years and there hasn't been an exhibition I've staged that hasn't featured some of her stunning work.
'Expectations,' October 2010, Westcroft Gallery
'Telling Tales, July 2014,' the Byre Gallery
I'm really pleased to have a new collection of Remon's work in the gallery this summer and that she's taken the time to reveal a little bit about her creative life.
I was studying ceramics at a degree level just before I arrived in Cornwall. When I looked at courses, I realised that I needed a firmer base in technique: so, enrolled on the HND 3D/Ceramics course at Cornwall College.
- Was ceramics always your preferred medium?
I started in textiles and metal, and always likes the idea of mixed media. I wasn't into clay but once I experienced the process of adding oxides and glazes to clay, then fired in a kiln to create a ceramic object, fascinated me. I was spellbound by the effects of earth and fire.
- Have you always made things?
My dad taught me to knit when I was four years old, and I loved making my mum presents from any material scraps I could find, I also made jewellery which I sold to my friends at school.
- Are all of your family creative?
Both of my parents spent their spare time pursuing their hobbies: my mother loved craft, needlepoint and knitting; my Dad was a pianist and creative in everything he did.
- Your work is so distinctive - especially the sense of decay versus beauty what inspired that?
I've found decomposition fascinating, life and death interacting simultaneously.
- You don't like giving away too much about the methods you use to achieve your effects. Do you think that adds to their allure?
Adding a bit mystery regarding my techniques, and not giving much away has people guessing and wondering how I attain the results; I love the intrigue it invites!
- Which artists have influenced or inspired you?
Francis Bacon, Kiki Smith, Mona Hatoum, Damien Hirst, Botticelli & Pre- Raphaelites.
- What’s your favourite piece to make?
I do enjoy making my apples and pears, deciding the effects I want to achieve in each keeps these pieces alive for me.
- Are you inspired by the landscape around you in Cornwall?
Cornwall's landscape was definitely a massive influence in my early study of ceramics, textures and colours of the seascape played a big part in developing my glazes and the effects I've mastered.
- What’s your favourite part of Cornwall?
All of Cornwall is beautiful and awe inspiring!
- How has the past year of lockdowns affected you?
I am very lucky to have a great studio space in the Old Bakery, Truro. Open 24/7, I was able to carry on creating which kept me sane during lockdown. Plus, the pleasure of a friendly face there to have a socially distanced chat really helped.
- What’s a typical day like for you?
I'm an early riser, and I like to go to my studio in the morning sun. After work, it's usually a lovely walk with Darcie my dog. I love to curl up with a book, and do a bit of knitting. At the moment I'm making a colourful stripey cardigan to wear at my summer shows.
I'm very excited to be showing at the new Potfest show at Compton Verney in June, I'm also showing at Potfest, In the Park, Cumbria. Also, Art in Clay, which this year has a new venue at Windsor Racecourse.