FINDS: The Ceramic Art of Candone Wharton

I cannot remember when I saw Candone Wharton's work for the first time - I only can say that I was fascinated from the first moment. I am always intrigued by objects which emerge from manual work, work that emanates from the soul, the phantasies of a person, work that is deeply inspired by ancient cultures such as Candone's work.

Ancient cultures have something magical which is not really tangible - we feel the affinity but cannot really say where it comes from, we feel a certain familiarity and a longing but are strangers nevertheless as if an invisible wall separates us from the original source which we cannot permeate.

"My education is American, the firing technique is Japanese, the glaze influences are from Morocco, and the forms are inspired by ancient architecture and vessels."

says Candone on her website.  And this is only a small part of her affiliations with foreign cultures. Candone grew up in Florida, studied in Georgia and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. After college she went to Europe, teaching ceramics in Sweden for five years. She also spent one year in Panama, teaching primitive ceramics to the Cuna Indians.

In 1977 Candone set up her first studio on Ibiza, a Spanish Island, and began working there as a full-time  clay artist. Influenced by her admiration for North African potters and her experience with Raku firing during college time Candone created her own style of ceramic art: her handbuilt vessels,boxes, bowls and platters are carved intricately with basketweave and blockprinting patterns. But not only that - Candone developed beautiful luster glazes which transform her objects into magical devices.

(all images with courtesy of Candone Wharton)

If you would like to know more about Candone Wharton and her fantastic work please check her website.
Oh and if you feel you should try your own hand on ceramics and Raku firing - Candone offers a two week workshop on Bali in November. I wished I could go...

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