2019 AWARD WINNER | Plymouth College Of Art

Jorge Mata

Design Crafts Ba Hons | Plymouth College Of Art

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1. Tell us about yourself, your work, and your career path so far.

Despite being a potter by trade, I see myself as an artist. I strive to express myself through many mediums and I often look for opportunities in mistakes when making. In my opinion, my work is a representation of myself. I want to ensure that everything I create has a sense of belonging in this world. Hoping that throughout my career everything I make has a particular style that people can associate with me.

2. Describe your first encounter with clay?

My first encounter with clay was in year 8 in an art class. Initially I was intrigued by the medium but never gave it much thought as I wanted to become a painter. However, it was later in my college years that I chose to experiment with clay. This being said I struggled with the medium but with persistence and dedication I eventually came to love working with clay.

3. Why did you choose ceramics?

I chose ceramics because it gives me the freedom to make anything I want. No matter what medium I use, be it painting for example. My artistic style is typically drab, gloomy and dreamy, and clay naturally became the right medium for me to express myself with. Due to being fascinated with how tactile working with clay can be. Depending on what I am making, I can use force and aggression or have to be delicate and precise

4. Where do you find inspiration? Places, people, objects, music...

I tend to find inspiration in controversy and negative imagery. Typically post apocalyptic themes and imagery drive me to create work that may look dark and depressing but is not intended to be negative. Rather my work attempts to raise a question instead of being a reflection of a particular event. Music also acts as a vital source of inspiration. Often I tend to listen to white noise or ambient sounds to set a particular mood in which, I can work from.

5. What are the tools of your trade that you can't do without?

The main tool I cannot live without would be my pottery wheel. Initially all of my work is made on the wheel then shaped depending on the effect I wish for. Most of my favourite tools that I use to create the unique textures on my work are made by me. To make these tools I use various pieces of scrap metal and found objects.

6. What is a typical day in the studio like?

A typical day in the studio for me starts with wedging clay and preparing it for use. Then I reflect on my sketchbook to decide on what to make. My weeks consist of dividing each week into pottery and sculpture days.

7. What do the next 12 months have in store for you?

The next 12 months for me consist of continuing to exhibit my sculpture work at events such as 'Get Fresh' at the British Ceramic Biennale. Also I do not intend to ever stop making and pushing myself creatively.

8. What advice do you have for those currently studying ceramics in further education?

My advice for those who want to pursue a life of ceramics is to never stop making and strive to be unique and express yourself. Also it’s vital to be persistent and dedicated because at times ceramics can be extremely difficult and stressful however, it can be the most rewarding material to work with.