KITTY SHEPHERD

Kitty Shepherd has worked as a professional slipware potter for sixteen years. She is known for work that communicates very different feelings and messages, which are often disguised as decoration.

Kitty Shepherd demonstrates an exceptionally high level of expertise in her work; she hand builds forms in earthenware clay and paints them with coloured slips onto an unfired surface.

This is a technique that has been used for centuries; it requires skill, knowledge of the materials and patience. Her work develops a strangley ordered yet bizarre narrative brought about by the use of images that spring from the traditional to the suprising and sometimes outlandish ideas.

Kitty's new series of flatware bowls and platters take their inspiration from melding celebrity with imaginary birds of paradise! Each one has their own story and character:

For example "Hello Dolly" - A more jumped up bird it would be difficult to find. Dolly is so full of her own importance she only sits in trees whose leaves bring out the very best in her lavish plumage. Legendary for her fine blue flash on her head feather, hen Dolly is in fact no more than a loud show girl of a bird. However having once seen the film "Hello Dolly" on Brighton beach she adopted the name of Dolly Levi when she recognised this kindred spirit and took it to her little birdie heart.