Sasha Wardell British, b. 1956

‘Bone china is a very seductive material to work with, possessing qualities of intense whiteness, translucency and strength. It is a very ‘single-minded’ clay, which forces the maker to work with clarity and precision. Its technical inflexibility and idiosyncratic making and firing characteristics might easily be a deterrent to investigation, however I consider these restrictions and limitations a challenge to creativity and working methods.

‘I have adapted the industrial techniques associated with bone china production of mould making and slip casting to studio production. My particular interests lie in the translucent properties of this material and the differing degrees of luminosity possible. In order to enhance these qualities in my work I have developed a variety of treatments which aim to exploit this characteristic.’

Sasha Wardell was born in Negombo, Sri Lanka, in 1956. She studied BA (Hons) in 3D Design (Ceramics) at Bath Academy of Art, Corsham, 1976–79. In 1978, she studied Industrial Ceramics at Ecole Nationale des Arts Decoratifs at Limoges, France. From 1979–81, she studied MA in Ceramic Design at North Staffordshire Polytechnic, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1980, she received Industrial Training at Royal Doulton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs.