ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT
KE NT ARTIST PROFILE:
MATT HORNE
Matt Horne has a unique way of doing things; he creates the most stunning
pieces of pottery, but these vases, bowls, plates and more have a beautiful twist
to them. It’s called crystalline, and it’s a truly lovely thing. insideKENT’s Lisamarie
Lamb caught up with Matt to chat about this spectacular art form.
be carefully detached once fired
and the base of the piece ground
smooth.
As the crystal growth is
random, this means that there can
be many failures. Sometimes there
may be very few or no crystals at
all, other times crystals can cover
the entire piece. When all goes well
the effects can be stunning.
How would you
describe your
What is it that you
do?
I produce hand-thrown
decorative ceramics
using unique crystalline
glazing. The majority
of my work is hand
thrown on the potter’s
wheel using porcelain
but I also use a fine
white stoneware for
making bigger pieces.
When I first started out
as a potter I was
making more
functional pottery, but
since I started working
with crystalline glazes in 2009 my focus has switched mainly to more
decorative work. I enjoy experimenting with different shapes and colour
combinations to create exciting, contemporary forms.
What inspires you?
The inspiration for my forms comes
to me mainly when I’m sat at the
wheel and unless I am making a
commissioned piece I very rarely
set out with the intention to make
a specific shape. I particularly enjoy
making vases with a narrow base,
wide belly and very thin neck as I
love the elegance of these forms.
I love a challenge and I am always
pushing myself to create new and
more extreme shapes.
What is crystalline glazing, and how is it different to a standard glaze?
Crystalline glazing is a specialist glaze where crystals made from zinc and
silica, form in the glaze during the firing. Unlike most standard glazes, the
effects achieved through crystalline glazes are completely random due to
the crystal formation, meaning that every piece is a one off.
The kiln is heated up to a temperature of 1260°C where it is held
and then cooled, and it is during this time that the crystals grow in the
glaze. Slight adjustments to the firing schedule can produce exciting and
different results.
The glaze is also very fluid, so each piece has to be attached to a
pedestal and dish to catch the glaze run-off during the firing. This has to
What has been your proudest
artistic achievement to date?
My proudest achievement to date
was being invited to teach a
workshop on Crystalline glazing in
Dunedin, Florida in February this
year. It was an honour to be asked
to host this workshop as a number
of the attendees were fellow potters
24
that have been working with
crystalline glazes for many years.
Where can we see your work?
I supply various galleries and attend
craft shows around the UK. An upto-date list can be found on my
website. Several of the shows I will
be attending this year are with the
Sussex Guild, as I am a member.
A selection of my work is
available to view and purchase on
my website, and I also make pieces
to order on commission.
What does the future hold?
I am one of the featured makers at
this year’s October Focus Exhibition
at the Bevere Gallery in Worcester.
I will also be continuing to su ǐ