Malory Tate, the visionary ceramic artist behind some of the most intricate and captivating sculptural vessels, has spent nearly two decades honing her craft. Tate has built a name for herself through her unique approach to ceramics, blending historical influences with a deep sense of personal sentimentality. Her journey, shaped by a blend of formal education, apprenticeships, and residencies, reflects a lifelong passion for the art form. We had the opportunity to sit down with Malory to delve into her creative process, her inspirations, and the stories behind some of her most cherished pieces.
Lekàla: Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a ceramic artist? What inspired you to pursue this path?
Malory: I was fairly young when I decided to become an artist, the joy it brought me was unparalleled. It was in University that I set myself towards ceramics. I was lucky enough after my second year to get a coveted apprenticeship with renowned Canadian ceramic artist, Jim Smith. He shared such a beautiful and rich life both in and outside of the studio. The community that came alongside this craft was also incredibly enriching and inspiring. Each teacher and peer contributed so much towards my practice and helped to build the passion I have for this medium even to this day.
After graduating with a major in Ceramics and a minor in Art History from NSCAD University in Halifax, NS (Canada) I did a year-long residency in my home province in British Columbia, in Vancouver. Here I developed a new body of work that set the stage for my post graduate life. Soon after this, my partner and I moved to London, UK, where I set up my own studio in East London. From the moment my hands first touched clay to now, I have cultivated 17 years of a wonderful love affair with clay. It is a tough craft and art form to practice in, you have to be a bit mad to be honest, but I wouldn’t give it up for anything.
Lekàla: You create such unique and gorgeous pieces - can you describe the main themes and inspirations behind your sculptural vessels?
Malory: With my love for Art History, I have always been drawn to the grandeur and elegance of the 17th and 18th century. From the clothing, to the architecture and of course to the objects being produced during this period. Objects that were for either everyday use, for ceremony or objects made for simple displays of wealth and status. I get particularly excited about historical objects that may no longer have found a place or fallen out of use in a contemporary setting. I also enjoy items that have a singular function or encourage interaction and ritual.
Memory and sentimentality are also themes that I play with a lot in my work. I can be a starry eyed romantic more often than not. I find beauty and a romantic sentiment in the simple pleasures in life, such as fresh cut flowers, writing a handwritten letter to a loved one or taking the time to mend a favourite garment that is worn down from overuse. My love of objects comes from the act of elevating these simple gestures into extravagant experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
Lekàla: What is your creative process like, from conception to final piece?
Malory: I usually start with research and then set to designing various pieces in my sketchbook with written notes of concepts and ideas along the way. I then like to make a 3D version of my sketches to work out a piece's construction as well as size and dimensions. This is done first through throwing the body on the potter's wheel to then later alter/building the pieces off of the wheel.
I will then test new glazes if I am working towards a specific concept or pallet. Along with testing a few application methods on test tiles or test pieces with similar form variations, until I am happy with the result. In every new design, there are generally a few versions before the final resolved piece comes into being. Some designs have taken me longer to develop than others. Whilst a few have sprung into my head or from my hands with very little effort. Ceramics however is a craft based art form which means, it takes a very long time from conception to a final piece - taking many months or years to create.
Lekàla: What is the story behind your favourite piece you’ve created?
Malory: This is such a hard question to answer. I’ll say one of my favourite pieces would have to be my Inkstands. The overall, very complex construction of this particular piece: with the central rectangular base and its removable top lid, has an attached flower brick with a pierced lid as well as a functional drawer. One part that can’t be seen at first, is a hidden compartment meant for secret love letters. All this made for an exciting challenge to make and is ultimately a wonderfully sentimental object with a rich history. My version was built for writing poetry (love letters too of course), practicing calligraphy and watercolor painting, all hobbies of mine. I guess, the sentimental romantic in me can be fully realized with this piece which of course sparks joy.
Lekàla: Approximately how many hours goes into creating one of your signature Tulipiere pieces?
Malory: Hours and hours to make but years upon years of development and design. My Tulipieres are one of my most complex pieces where each stage takes particular timing. From throwing off the wheel, to altering, trimming and then finally assembling. Once the piece has been bisque fired, it is then laboriously hand painted with a palette of various glazes ranging in both colour and surface textures. In total, these pieces take around three months from start to finish.
Lekàla: You’ve mentioned that your pieces are typically designed for flowers, why is this?
Malory: There are various reasons I suppose. For one, I love the simple pleasures in life, like fresh cut flowers filling your space with colour and fresh life. As well, I enjoy the act of arranging flowers and taking the time to place each one to create a spectacular bouquet. Moreover, I aim to create pieces that inspire engagement and spark a zest for these daily rituals, to share with those who use my work, a passion for those simple pleasures that make life a little more special and beautiful.
Lekàla: And finally, when hosting a dinner party, what are your ‘must have’ decorative pieces on the table?
Malory: My must haves would of course have to be flower vases and or floral centerpieces in company with candle sticks. If they happen to be in combination, all the better.