This month's interview is with the talented Ed from Ed Ap Art - a passionate Welsh artist with a love for nature. He talks to us about his inspiration, his work with ceramics and some of his other creative ventures. Read on to find out more...
Please could you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I most certainly can! I'm from Snowdonia in North Wales, I'm one of five siblings raised on a mountain, I have a big love of motorcycles, and riding in all weather haha! I'm an artist mainly working in ceramics.
How did you get into making ceramics?
I've grown up with clay, my dad was an art teacher before he retired, so he'd keep us kids busy with a bag of the stuff. I'd only thrown on a wheel a couple of times until last year, when I got my hands on a banding wheel (a hand propelled wheel), and taught myself to throw on that, the ancient way. Before then I was hand building pots. It's snowballed from there, really.
What's the main inspiration for your pieces?
Nature! Everything revolves around nature up here, it's shaped me and how I see the world, so naturally it's transferred into my work.
I know that you have some other creative talents such as illustration for example. Could you tell us a bit more about them?
Yes indeed! I love to draw and paint. Since I was a child I've been obsessed with ancient Celtic art and mythology. I've designed many, many tattoos over the last 20 years! Over time and pushing myself more, I got into painting murals which has to be one of the greatest jobs in the world, I'd love to have more time to dedicate to that, to be honest.
What makes handmade ceramics special?
That's an easy answer! Each piece is completely unique! You can't get more special than that. All the time, effort, love, frustration and relief that goes into handmade ceramics, makes them special.
Could you tell us about your process of designing and making your pieces?
Most of the time, I just go with the flow in regards to shapes of pots, but I do have a sketchbook to help me out, never underestimate the power of a sketchbook, everyone!! As for sgraffito, depending on the subject of the design, if I'm well versed, so to speak, in drawing something already, I'll just go right ahead and carve it on the pot, but again, the sketchbook is the best process in terms of design. Oh, and lots of trial and error. You could have a drawing that looks amazing on paper, and then terrible on a pot!
There are always challenges when you have your own business. Which one would you say has been the biggest one for you?
Yes, there are many! Biggest challenge for me is time. There aren't enough hours in the day, because I love it so much!