Artist Spotlight - Jeanne Robertson
Resident Artist at The Clay Studio

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instagram: @jeanneblissrob
Website: www.jeanneblissettrobertson.co.uk

Jeanne Blissett Robertson's work beautifully explores the connection between nature, time, and material. From sculptures to site-specific installations, Jeanne invites us to slow down and see the world through a more thoughtful, tactile lens. Currently a resident at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, she brings a quiet power to everything she creates. Her growth has been incredible to witness, each chapter of her journey bringing new energy, purpose, and power to her work.

How long have you been a Resident at The Clay Studio?
2.5 years

Any growth since then or major impacts it’s made on your work?
I come from a sculpture/installation background with no formal training in ceramics. When I started the residency I had some experience with ceramics but knew I wanted to experiment with different techniques and approaches. Over my time here I have explored ways of working with ceramics that align with the themes that I explore - for instance soda firing porcelain ice-berg forms to reference changing Arctic landscapes, pit-firing sculptural symbols that are inspired by the history of alchemy, and using black stoneware and iron oxide to create delicate objects that look like old metalwork. My current solo show ‘Another Way of Knowing’ is the largest and most ambitious ceramic project I have done so far.

Where are you from?
Brighton, UK

Has Philadelphia and the community here made an impact in your work?
Yes, I have been exposed to many different ways of working with ceramics from people who are extremely skilled and talented. Their devotion to their practice and techniques has been inspiring. Philadelphia has been an amazing place to live - it fills me with life and energy.

What sets a Jeanne Robertson piece apart from others? 
Fusion of design details, making techniques, and storytelling devices. Strong forms with intricate detail.

What made you want to get into ceramics? Feel free to include any education, training and experience.
My sculptural background introduced me to ceramics. I was drawn to its versatility, alluring finished quality, and conceptual connection to the themes I explore.

Any personal or cultural influences?
James Rigler, Nathalie du Pasquier, Anthea Hamilton, Tai Shani

Can you walk us through your creative process?
I always start with drawing and painting loose ideas and forms. I then refine and build on this. Usually I make small tests, then take the plunge and go bigger. I like to get a form complete as quickly as possible, then spend time taking bits away and adding bits to it.

What is your favorite part of the process?
The refining

What techniques are you drawn to or specialize in?
Slip-casting, soda-firing, hand-building, carving

Any specific types of clay or glazes you prefer to work with?
It depends on the project I’m doing. I generally prefer atmospheric firings with little glaze application.

Any favorite tools?
Little curved wooden tool

What currently inspires your pieces?
My collaboration with the Biogeochemical lab at University of Pennsylvania, my trip with them to Greenland, their research into Arctic water systems, and a book called Arctic Imagination printed by the Royal Danish Library.

What is your favorite piece or project? What makes it special?
My current exhibition ‘Another Way of Knowing’. I took many risks and stepped out of my comfort zone, and I’m very happy with the results. It syncs with the vision I had in my mind, and that doesn’t often happen.

How do you balance between experimentation and maintaining a consistent style?
Although my forms change depending on the project I’m working on, my consistent style comes from the design ideas I have - always contrasting bold, minimalist forms with looser, more organic details. How that manifests shifts and changes, but there is always that core sensibility. Experimentation will always be a large part of my artistic expression.

What do you want to be taken away from your art?
Intrigue, preciousness, playing with senses, feeling a familiarity but also a strangeness, for the works to feel as though they are creatures communicating in their own way.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring artists?
If a conventional route isn’t working, always find creative ways to progress your work. Reach out to different kinds of people, put on exhibitions in alternative spaces, make your own residency. Good photography of work is always beneficial. 

What are your long term artistic goals?
To create a public art piece working with ceramic sculpture. Continue to collaborate with environmental scientists at the forefront of climate change research.

Any upcoming shop drops, exhibitions, galleries or markets?
My current solo show ‘Another Way of Knowing’ at The Clay Studio Philadelphia, on until 29 Jun

https://www.theclaystudio.org/exhibitions/jeanne-blissett-robertson-2