Embracing Serendipity

a Showcase by Potter Tim Lake

Tim Lake curates opportunities within his firings to allow variation and serendipitous possibilities to happen in the kiln. Tim introduces rogue elements such as raw, unrefined local materials into his clay bodies and places specific pots in particular areas of the kiln to take advantage of the flame path. These determined areas and use of materials embrace the brunt and force of the flames as they flow throughout the kiln during firing. The pieces emerge from the kiln marked with the individual story of each firing.

Tim’s showcase at Flow is a tactile experience alongside a visual one. As you handle his objects, you gain more information with your eyes closed. In turn, this expands in the use of his objects. You can run your hands over his surfaces to find a satisfying texture or imperfection that momentarily captures your attention.

— View the Showcase

"I MAKE POTS. POTS FOR USE, TO LOOK AT, & MOST OF ALL, TO ENJOY. A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT VOICES INFORM MY WORK, FROM EAST TO WEST, KOREA TO MARSHALL, EARTH TO SKY, KARATSU TO MACKENZIE. IT IS MY INTENTION THAT THE COMBINATION OF THESE INFLUENCES AND PERSONAL ENDEAVOUR LEAD TO PIECES OF WORK THAT HAVE AN INDIVIDUALITY AND A SUBTLE BEAUTY THAT ONLY CLAY CAN ALLOW TO HAPPEN."

All of Tim's work is stoneware, thrown and turned on a slow kick wheel and fired between 1280°C–1310°C in a self-built kiln fuelled with gas and wood. He also produces a range of slab-built items fired in the same way.