oakwoodceramics are truly delighted to exhibit stunning new porcelain work by Kevin de Choisy. We have long admired the wonderful Whieldon glazed work by Kevin and from time to time have been able to exhibit it on our site. Kevin is one of the most accomplished makers and is a foremost authority on high fired Oriental glazes with a real feel and understanding of the subtleties of the many types of celadons.
Artist's Statement
Song Ceramics (and Celadon glazes in particular) have been described as 'Classic, Elegant, Sophisticated, Luminous, Restrained…….etc.' These adjectives have lent themselves to a cult of connoisseurship over several centuries. Some of this depends upon their association with ritual - that of the Table, the drinking of Tea or of the Temple but much is based upon the appreciation of surface and it's relationship to light.
The qualities of many of the Celadon glazes were favourably compared to those of Jade, especially the white and waxily translucent 'Mutton Fat' jade. The description of this type of surface aptly applies to a range of Decorative Arts including the antique patination of furniture, antique Jade, Raw and Shot silks, and Glass made matt and iridescent with age.
It has been my intention to try to achieve these qualities in my own pots with deference but without slavishness to antiquity.
The bias is toward the undecorated, much as Greek sculpture is preferred in it's unpainted state'
(Stacey Pierson,: 'Song Ceramics, Objects of Admiration').

Kevin de Choisy (May2007)