Georgia Stevenson, a ceramic artist with an architectural background, has carved out a unique niche in the art world by embracing the beauty of waste materials. Her work, grounded in material research and making, challenges the notion of what constitutes art and how it can be created. Stevenson's approach is both innovative and sustainable, as she transforms discarded construction materials into tiles and objects, infusing them with a new sense of purpose and value.
Her journey began with a curiosity about the materials she encountered during her architectural studies. She started collecting local clays, experimenting with their properties, and eventually transitioned into ceramics after working in the industry for three years. Stevenson's Breaking Ground research project became a cornerstone of her practice, exploring the potential of waste materials and the stories they hold.
The process of transforming waste into usable ceramic material is intricate and meticulous. Stevenson begins by collecting materials from construction sites, carefully sorting and pre-crushing them. She then employs a rock-crushing machine to refine the materials into a consistent powder, which she further processes through sieving and ball milling. This meticulous process allows her to test and experiment with different clay bodies and glazes, ensuring the final product meets her high standards.
One of Stevenson's favorite materials to work with is demolished concrete. Its unassuming nature and ability to transform into stunning glazes captivate her. She sees potential in rethinking the value of demolished concrete, which often ends up in recycling facilities or civil infrastructure projects. By using these materials, Stevenson imbues her creations with a sense of history and provenance, making each piece a unique narrative of its own.
The technical challenges Stevenson faces are intriguing. Incorporating various materials into the clay body, she encounters issues with plasticity. She embraces these constraints, adapting her techniques to suit the materials. For instance, she has shifted from wheel throwing to hand-building methods like rolling, and she plans to explore slip casting in the future. This willingness to work within the limitations of the materials is a testament to her architectural training, where she learns to lean into constraints rather than resist them.
Stevenson's creations have found their way into architectural projects, primarily as tiles. She has collaborated with Studio Bright on a 20-square-metre residential project, showcasing the potential of her materials in a larger-scale application. Her work also extends to landscaping, urban design, and public space, where she envisions exploring the narrative and meaning embedded in materials. Through collaborations with other craftspeople, she is pushing the boundaries of how these materials can be utilized, such as using them as pigments for fabric dyeing and concrete blends.
The impact of Stevenson's work extends beyond the art world. She has been instrumental in cataloguing and sharing knowledge about waste materials, creating a material catalogue on her website and co-founding Alternative Ceramics Supply. Her efforts to reduce landfill waste and empower other potters to create meaningful work are commendable. By making this information publicly accessible, she is fostering a community of artists and practitioners who can explore the potential of waste materials in their own creative endeavors.
Stevenson's approach to using waste materials in finished spaces has been well-received by clients and collaborators. They view these materials as existing resources rather than waste, and the finished tiles or works often become talking points, sparking conversations about the stories behind the materials. Collaborators and clients are open to bold choices that celebrate the unique character of the materials, ensuring that the final creations are not off-the-shelf but rather objects with a rich history and meaning.
In conclusion, Georgia Stevenson's work challenges the boundaries of art and sustainability. Her innovative use of waste materials, combined with her architectural background, has resulted in a unique and captivating body of work. Through her meticulous process, technical adaptations, and knowledge-sharing efforts, Stevenson is not only transforming waste into art but also inspiring others to embrace the potential of the materials around them.
