Statement
![A black and white photograph of the artist- Megan Gant](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c25f88_5c7d5e45b21745fa8adcbf64bbbe2386~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_471,h_628,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/me.jpg)
My artistic journey is an exploration of ephemerality, metamorphosis, and the beauty of decay. Rather than focusing on the broader context, my attention is drawn to the subtle intricacies - the finer textures and details that often go unnoticed. The weathered patina of old walls, the cracks, the imperfections, all tell stories of history and resilience. I am equally captivated by the transformation of metal into rust and the peeling memories that are embedded into old paint and wallpaper.
My fascination with derelict buildings stems from these characteristics - their fractured narratives etched into cracked walls, and their worn textures an indication of impermanence. My ceramic vessels become canvases for this exploration. Throughout the various stages-before and after firing -the clay transforms. Layer upon layer, I apply slips, underglazes, and volcanic glaze, creating a rich tapestry of colour and texture. The resulting surfaces evoke fragments of walls, reminiscent of those found in abandoned buildings with stories engraved into their being. Through underglaze transfers, my photographs of these forgotten buildings are immortalised onto the clay, capturing a fleeting moment in time.
Graffiti, too, finds its place in my work. Beyond its rebellious connotations, graffiti symbolises renewal. Layers of artwork accumulate, as do the layers of their history. In applying graffiti to my vessels, I intend to show how the defiance of the art infuses life into these forgotten spaces- filling the void with creativity and expression instead.
![A trio of green and white ceramic vessels](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c25f88_b0bf21626f524004a1c1f053c94dd4b9~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_471,h_583,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_2861_JPG.jpg)
Bio
Megan Gant is a contemporary Cornish ceramicist who recently graduated from the BA (Hons) Art & Design Practice degree at Cornwall College. She draws inspiration from the forgotten corners of abandoned buildings - where paint peels, revealing forgotten memories, and cracks form in the plaster. With clay as her canvas, she creates a build-up of expressive marks using slips, underglaze, and glazes. These layers capture the essence of these dilapidated spaces and immortalise their fragility.
Her vessels invite viewers to contemplate the beauty hidden within brokenness and decay, the poetry of imperfection. Megan’s work has been exhibited at the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro, where it resonates with those who seek interest in the remnants of the past.