GALLERY

PETER LEVY

Peter Levy was born in Hampshire in the 1950’s and has lived there, near the Solent and the River Hamble for much of his life. It is this proximity to the water that inspires his ceramics and especially his choice of the Raku firing process.

Raku ceramics are recognisable for their distinguishing crackles in the glaze. It is a highly unpredictable and risky process that involves removing the artwork from the kiln half way through the firing whilst it is exceptionally hot. It is then placed in a tub of flammable material such as woodshavings and cardboard which ignites and smoulders against the glaze which, in the dramatic drop in temperature, has crazed. The ash from the smouldering woodshavings then colours the unglazed areas and the cracks in the glaze to produce the distinctive markings.

The movement of the sea and the ever changing weather conditions around the coast are captured in Peter’s use of raku firing. He is a great believer in the Japanese aesthetic Wabi-Sabi which defines a beauty measured by it’s transience, imperfections, impermanence, and unpredictability.

Following a degree in 3D design at The University of Portsmouth, Peter completed an MA in Fine Art. He is a successful and popular ceramicist and exhibits his original and unique raku boats in a number of prestigious galleries across England.