Anna Bliss
What is your process for creating your work, tell us how you go from idea to final piece
Anna: I almost entirely throw pieces on the wheel, but have in the past slab built and coiled pieces. I am currently experimenting with ways to alter, cut and join thrown pieces together to form new shapes, while retaining elements such as throwing lines. I love that clay is fluid and fragile until fired when it becomes solid and long-lasting. I like to try and capture some sense of fluidity in the final piece, be it through the form of the piece or surface. In the last year or so I have also started using decals and lustre. I love the idea that the decal designs of chintzy homeware can be displaced and flow across a piece to take up a new position.
My work generally builds on identifying something I have liked in a previous piece or from inspiration from seeing something in another potter’s work that I want to try out (I don’t copy another work entirely). I also enjoy being set projects by Elena, my tutor, as it helps me focus ideas. In the last few years, I have moved from only making functional pottery (vases, bowls, mugs etc) to making abstract sculptural pieces.
How long have you been a student at Morley?
6 years
What's your favourite part of studying at Morley?
Great tutors, especially Elena. A really well-equipped studio, with excellent support from Alex. An approach to teaching which encourages creativity and personal progress at the right pace for the individual.
What have you learnt and taken away from your course?
I have developed an ability to conceive an idea, work on it through sketches, maquettes and trial runs, to produce something that I am content with. I continue to develop my own skills in making, so I still have more to do, so that I can achieve what I’m thinking of.
General
What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?
The creativity and chance to make something that I consider to be beautiful. My day job is office based, dominated by meetings and emails. While working entirely from home I have been wholly computer-based, so it is especially amazing to be back at College and getting my hands back into the clay.
What are you currently working on?
I am making some bowls to get my throwing technique back in. In parallel I have started to make a lamp base – this will consist of several thrown parts joined together. This will include a doughnut shape thrown by splitting a ring of clay and rejoining (which I have never attempted before). So I have been trying that technique, without success so far!
What do you think makes Morley special?
The focus on learning to meet an individual’s needs, willingness of the tutors to be really creative and great company from the rest of the class.
How do you think your course at Morley has supported your development towards you desired career?
I am conscious many people use a College course to start or move on with a career. In my case, it is an opportunity to have a creative outlet which is not possible at work. This means I can maintain my overall wellbeing and that keeps me in work and allows me to flourish there too. In short – it is essential to keep me sane. I am now in my 50s and beginning to think about what I will do once I finish work. Continuing ceramics, possibly with a view to selling pieces, is something that coming to Morley allows me to be ready for, if that is my choice.
