Rebecca Barfoot

Rebecca Barfoot's work in clay is both contemporary and reminiscent of a time which was at play and full of light. Barfoot is inspired by the history of porcelain in Europe, and fascinated by the extravagance and unabashed femininity of the rococo. She seeks to impart this essence of the feminine to her ceramics with a focus on organic form, function which references the domestic sphere, and intimacy of scale.

Her recent series of thrown and hand-built porcelain vessels recall the stoppered glass toiletry and medicine bottles in use during the 19th century; other work references historical imagery and figures relevant to art history with the use of silk-screening. Text appears in various forms on some of her pieces, at times overtly revealed and at others quietly concealed, a metaphor for secrets both spoken and withheld.

In the words of Wendy Steiner in her book 'Venus in Exile: Rejection of Beauty in 20th Century Art,' "Ornament belongs to the realm of play rather than work, and its dominance implies the upset of the practical, pragmatic world." Each day Barfoot creates, and each day she muses, "Is it possible to stage a quiet revolution in the making of objects so simple, so ordinary?" As painter, potter and mixed media artist, Barfoot continues to explore the themes of gender, decoration and emotion in all her work, and to convey that sense of intimacy that we crave.

Like things made in her hands, held in yours, touch.