Sarah Backler's crafted ceramic objects explore texture, colour and works of precision. Photo/supplied
Sarah Backler's crafted ceramic objects explore texture, colour and works of precision. Photo/supplied
Q & A with Sarah Backler
With a background in industrial design and a love of elegant form, Sarah Backler is known for her lovingly crafted ceramic objects. From her studio in Otumoetai, she creates delicate designs that are functional and sculptural - suitable for sipping from or just gazingat.
How does your industrial design background inform your art? Industrial design incorporates creative thinking, finding solutions to problems, creating practical outcomes, utilising design technology, manufacturing and creating objects of precision. These infiltrate my work in a variety of ways. I create my ceramics through the process of slipcasting. For me, this is the perfect medium to combine an industrial design background with my love of creating with my hands. When I entered the world of ceramics, I couldn't find someone to teach me slipcasting, so I drew heavily on my experience of problem-solving, technology, and manufacturing to create a unique slipcasting process. This influence is most evident in how I design an object and make moulds. The technology gives way to hand when the casting begins. Each piece references the precision of machines alongside the softness of a hand-made object. They also have a tendency to be practical objects that can be used daily.
Where do you draw your inspiration from for the moulds and shapes you create? My inspiration comes from a few directions. My "Conflux" range was inspired by the transforming power of a crease in a piece of paper, and how one shape can transform into another. Textures are another source of inspiration as I am intrigued with how they transform as they traverse across a form.
What role does colour play in your work? I love exploring how form and texture react to one another and often let this play out on a white palette. Glazes allow colour to be introduced in a controlled manner to complement subtlety of form and add complexity to textures.
Any favourite design books, websites or blogs you could recommend? newzealanddesignblog.com and ted.com (not solely design/art focused, but always interesting, inspiring and a good challenge to my outlook and thinking processes).
