pick-n-mix (ode to woolworths)

.Pick-n-Mix (ode to Woolworths), is a pressed and coiled piece made from white St Thomas clay, which stands approximately 26cm high x 20cm in diameter including the lid. It is carved with applied cherubs, which were made separately in a handmade press mould and attached to the piece with slip. The piece has then been indented with pattern and fired to 1160c. Coloured glaze has been rubbed into the carving and wiped away, as well as being painted on to the surface area before being fired to 1080c. Coloured over-glaze enamels, silver lustre and mother-of-pearl lustre has then been applied to some areas of the outside to give more definition, then fired again to 800c. A final layer of paint has been added, and heated to a temperature of 150c, to add metallic colours. When the glazing process has been completed, different width wires have been wrapped around found objects threaded through pierced areas of the rim. Glass sweets bought in Venice adorn the sides and a necklace of sweet wrappers has been wound around the throat of one cherub, who wears lipstick purchased from Woolies! Inside the piece are different hand made fake sweets.  It is with sadness that the end of good old Woolworths was the inspiration for this piece. The shop is well remembered for loose biscuits sold from square tins, wooden floors and the birthplace  of “Pick-n- Mix”. Shopping enjoyed by home-makers, young parents and would be DIYers. Looking carefully we can spot the ladybirds sitting on the jelly mould lid.  It is named, signed and dated by the artist January 2009. This piece has been exhibited in the Victoria Art Gallery Bath.
Price £650