Kayleigh Peters
Instagram: @kayleighpetersceramics
About the artist
Instagram: @kayleighpeters_ceramics
Website: www.kayleigh-peters.com
Kayleigh Peters is a Visual Artist, working from her studio in West Sussex. Her work envelops the deep connection to material and the body, explored through the contrast of ceramic forms and defective glaze surfaces. Graduating as a mature student from the University of Brighton in 3D design and Craft in 2021, and following her Degree Show, Peters’ work has been exhibited with New Designers 2021, Global Design Graduate Show 2021, and most recently at the Cluster Crafts fair 2022.
Material is at the centre of Peters’ artistic practice, as is the focus of putting form before function - this expresses the internal battles that are unseen. Through the simplicity of reducing the clay vessel to a simple non-functional shape, form is found through the act of reflective auto-biographical making. These vessels become an act of quiet activism, seeking to encourage conversation and engagement around the taboo subject of hidden illnesses. There is emphasis on the connection to the earth and life, in the use of material, however the contrast of defective glazes is deliberately created to find imperfections on the surface, finding the beauty in the difficult. The aim of this work is to encourage visibility and the fight for better research within the medical industry.
Peters’ has developed her own unique palette of defective glazes to explore the contrasts of colour and textures over non-functional forms, looking for individuality in each form. Looking microscopically at the body inspires her colour palette, these contrasted colours communicate the conflicting battles that the body with hidden illnesses endure. We all face hidden battles, but battles with the body are the hardest. Finding connections with objects is a humanistic quality and Peters’ looks to unite people through their struggles. In seeking common ground, whilst knowing we are all unique, we allow those with hidden struggles to bring their issues to the surface. Peters’ strives for unity and social change through her craft.
