Within the centre of Elemental Alchemy (2024) is a grid of ceramic tiles whose texture and surface are the traces of pit-firing. The spontaneous and sudden nature seems to mark the clay with the smoke of the fire and the heat creating an intricate natural-looking texture. Though the texture looks very natural; the process- by being pit-fired the fire is controlled by the artist to create these textures contrasting control and the natural process together creating a balance between the two.
Surrounding the ceramic tiles is a gilded border which draws us towards these tiles- this is further emphasised by the great contrast from the textured charred wood surrounding the centre. The black charred wood seems to create a containment of the ceramic tiles showing how it preserves the element in place. Furthermore, gold is historically considered connected to alchemy and transformation thus making it not only a decorative element but rather carrying the concept of alchemical aspirations- the pursuit of perfection. Elevating the base to a sublime.
Fired Conversations (2025), like previously, has clay, wood and fire (with some gold leaf as well) move and seem to contemplate their existences. Thus, the work is a process rather than just simply being static as it appears as though it is still constantly moving and changing states. The tile has been oxidised, scorched and changed by the fire yet in a very unpredictable and flowing way.
Overall, both works create a symbiosis between nature and the artist to allow fire and chance to modify the work. The transformation is not controlled but rather instigated creating unique patterns and textures that flow and move as you look at them.