Jitka Schacherlova

Sculptural Ceramics

Born in the Czech Republic, trained as a speech and occupational therapist Schacherlova have been working with medium of clay for many years, only after moving to UK and her travels in Japan she discovered it’s deeper qualities and it’s rich potential in the art / craft world.  Currently she lives and works in South East of United Kingdom.

Schacherlova considers tactile experience to be the direct subject of her work. This is manifest in an experiential interplay between the clay and the artist, which reveals the voice of the material. The haptic texture on the outside of her forms suggests mystery on the inside. The dark interiors evoke a universal secret space. The light that comes in through the holes offers a lingering sense of hope.

Schacherlova works with variety of clays using rhythmic surface treatment to make tangible, primal connections. Pieces are wheel - thrown and altered, or hand built. Her work is the flow of energy and the transition of forces embodied by the object.

Clay gives an intensity depending on the surface texture and on the successive firings. The different textures of clay catch the light in different ways. This variation is achieved by firing the pieces in a electric or a gas kiln, occasionally in a wood- firing kiln. Surfaces may be left in their natural state or decorated with slips and clear glaze. The size of pieces vary from small (hand-held) to larger installations. Her work uses the flow of energy and the transition of forces embodied by the object.