Thomas Hopkins Gibson - THG Ceramics & Wood

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About Thomas Hopkins Gibson - THG Ceramics & Wood

Personal Statement

I work in ceramics and wood using driftwood from local beaches in the Firth of Clyde, that I turn into bowls and vessels of various sizes these pieces are then either finished as one off wooden items or used as formers to make moulds with which to cast porcelain objects. The bisque fired porcelain is the coloured with underglaze tints and oxides before being high fired to produce limited edition work that conveys the form and texture of wood but changes the ephemeral nature of timber into the stronger more resilient almost fossilised ceramic forms.

I also work with green timber that I turn and carve on the lathe. I then let the finished pieces shrink, split and distort into new organic shapes. I repair and emphasise splits and holes using silver staples and copper wire.

I only work with driftwood or trees that come down through storm or disease. Although this type of timber has inherent problems these are outweighed by the benefits of working with a material that you don't have total control over; the colour being defined by the chemistry of salt water on sap, and the inner strength of wet wood dictating the finished form.

Year Established: July 2009