Mining industry inspires Bower art student’s work
AN art student from Bower has exhibited mining-inspired ceramics as part of her degree show in Aberdeen.
Helen Ryrie (25) is a fourth-year 3-D design student at Robert Gordon University’s Gray’s School of Art.
The former Wick High pupil took symbols of the mining industry and used these to design a unique range of ceramics.
In her research, Helen looked at traditionally high-value metals and gems, exploring the perception of "preciousness".
Helen said: "In most cases, it is personal preference or sentiment that gives an object its value to an individual as opposed to monetary value.
"When studying traditionally precious materials such as gold, silver and diamonds, I began to investigate where these came from and became interested in the mining industry.
"Rather than the precious metals or gems, I found inspiration from the overlooked elements of mining such as the equipment used and the stories of miners.
"I have taken the mundane, everyday objects of the industry and transformed them into precious objects."
Helen’s collection comprises porcelain canaries painted in metallic lustre glazes, mining lamps coated in copper and drill and pick axe shapes formed into ceramic vessels.
For her exhibition, the talented artist used individual mining lamps to create a chandelier installation to represent their original use – as a source of light.
Helen has also added a link back to the natural environment by adding petals and leaf patterns to the drill-shaped vessels and creating brightly coloured resin pick axes to reflect the stamen of flowers.
Helen added: "The public reacted very well to my designs at the degree show – especially my porcelain canaries.
"I like to have fun with unusual forms and also focus on the story behind inanimate objects, a concept I think everyone can relate to."
Helen, who is set to graduate next month, has secured a place at Aberdeen’s Oil & Glass studio and hopes to commercialise her pieces in the future.
