Exploration of Glaze Chemistry
Chloe Monks embarks on a captivating creative journey that intertwines personal introspection with the exploration of materials.
Central to her artistry is an extensive investigation into glaze chemistry.
For her, glaze transcends its role as a mere medium; it emerges as an art form in its own right.
Monks is enthralled by the diverse surface finishes she can create.
Through continuous experimentation—be it in innovative glaze laboratories, unique casting techniques, or manipulating kiln atmospheres—she embraces serendipity, allowing unexpected outcomes to enrich her work.
Corium Series
Since 2020, a significant skin condition has transformed Monks’ relationship with clay.
This experience informs her Corium series, which mirrors the fragility and volatility of her own skin.
Through her exploration of materials, Monks highlights the delicate boundaries of our physical forms and the tumultuous experiences of skin flare-ups.
The Corium series vividly encapsulates Monks’ evolving connection to clay and her skin.
This collection delves into the organic properties of clay slip and the dynamic interactions of carefully selected inclusions.
The resulting pieces capture the visual and tactile ruptures of skin, symbolizing the intricate layers of human experience, aptly named after the deep layer of skin known as ‘Corium.’
Innovative Techniques
In her studio, Monks employs two complementary approaches.
The first is a methodical control over her glaze recipes, which allows her to manipulate variables and anticipate outcomes.
This meticulous exploration fuels her personal art, educational endeavors, and commissioned works.
Her second approach embraces spontaneity, freedom, and intuitive creativity.
Through techniques like hand-building, slab construction, and slip casting, she treats glaze with the same fluidity as clay.
As a result, her pieces often emerge as fragmented or amorphous forms, embodying the ambiguous nature of glaze, which acts both as a ‘skin’ and a distinct state of matter.
In her Katsura and Cercis series, Monks ventured into the world of digital technology.
By employing software like Rhino and utilizing a 3D printer, she creates intricate PLA components for plaster molds.
This innovative leap has expanded her capabilities in slip casting, allowing for bold forms and intricate designs.
Each piece celebrates the decorative potential of glaze, offering a fresh canvas for her artistic expression.
Through her art, Chloe Monks invites viewers to recognize the interplay between material, body, and emotion.
In doing so, she inspires an appreciation for the beauty and resilience that underlies the creative journey.
Source: Ceramicsnow