The overlooked object: unveiling the presence of the commonplace object through its reinterpretation into a conceptual, abstracted form.

My practice-led and studio based research has investigated how the presence of everyday, commonplace objects, such as buttons and handles, can be revealed through their reinterpretation into conceptual abstracted forms, and by the application to these forms of alternative vitreous materials. It has explored the creation of a hybrid substance made from vitreous enamel plus ceramic slip, mixed and applied to a metal substrate. This research has followed a reflective, heuristic approach of learning by doing, where one action leads to the next, exploring conceptual and technical aspects of my practice.<br><br> I have investigated methods of making, together with exploring conceptual and formal qualities, to draw the hidden, unnoticed presence of these simple, familiar objects into the viewer’s consciousness. The use of coloured vitreous enamel, and stains in painting medium have provided me with a vivid and vibrant palette as a means of bringing metal and ceramic materials to life.<br><br>The technical aspect of the inquiry has focused on investigating and testing the compatibility of metal, ceramic and vitreous material to create a new viable, surface finish. This new hybrid surface detail enabled me to create a strong, textured, surface treatment that may stimulate the viewer’s curiosity to pick the object up, sense the weight, and to touch and feel the surface, and through that the form of the conceptual object.<br><br>Through studio practice, I have explored the work of contemporary enamelling artists as well as that of artists from a wider art field, specifically sculpture, painting and installation practice. I have examined their approaches to making, use of materials, colour, form, size and proportion in relation to my own research, methods and practice.