Cheryl Lucas’s quirky vessels flirt with the eye. Her elegantly asymmetrical show Inside Out engages the spatial relationships between sculpture, line and form, interior and exterior.

“On the surface of the ceramics, Lucas paints open and closed worlds, dismissing technical traditions while questioning visual perception.” (1) Thick black lines stand out against a pale cream craquelure surface, sweeping in a curve down the spine of the vessel (Islands) or dividing the form into pools of light and darkness (Friendly Exhaust). Lucas’s mark making provides a dimension of trickery. These are deceptive works, which change as one moves to various vantage points, inviting the viewer to navigate the spaces between.

“Inside Out refers to working with the 2 and 3 dimensions as a whole – everything is inextricably bound up together – whatever happens with the form itself influences the surface imagery.” (2)

Lucas’s asymmetry provides movement and character to her vessels. Each work leans toward or away from its neighbor, employing the fluidity of individual form to suggest metaphorical relationships. She “uses the vessel as a conveyor and holder of ideas rather than food” (3)

All work is handmade (slab and coil built) and drawn on using ceramic oxides, stains and homemade chalks, glazed and multi fired to 1250 degrees in an electric kiln.

1. Gina Irish, Object Magazine, December 2005.
2. Cheryl Lucas, Artist statement, 2006.
3. Ibid.