Polly Yates
At The Ode To we are always curious to learn more about creativity and artistry, so we asked Polly Yates to tell us a little bit about her life, her art and her sources of inspiration.
What do you call your series of artworks?
– I name my pieces after writers and artists I deeply admire. This wall sculpture series is named after Clarice Lispector, whose books are wonderfully unique and beautifully strange.
What technique have you used?
– I've worked with stoneware paper-clay, applying a white slip and matte glaze. I shape these pieces by hand, resembling continuous line drawings using coil-building techniques.
What inspired you to create the artworks you have made for The Ode To?
– Thinking about the art of drawing and the concept of coil-building resembling line drawings led me to this series. I've previously worked with paper and collage techniques, and adapting this to clay resulted in a uniquely personal approach.
Can you tell us about your background and how you came to be an artist?
– My educational background is in fine art, but I discovered my passion for clay relatively late. Comfortable in the overlap between art and design, my work spans both functional and sculptural realms. My experiences living in diverse countries have significantly influenced my thinking and the type of work I create.
How would you describe your art and aesthetics in three words?
– Sculptural, expressive, playful.
What we love about Polly Yates:
Polly Yates' artistry thrives in the liminal space between art and design, sculptural and functional work. Her wall sculptures, inspired by Clarice Lispector's literary uniqueness, blend techniques from paper collage into the realm of clay, creating a distinctly personal and playful expression.
