Branka Vrhovski-Stanton

Ceramics

15 Jul

Written By Lu Ernest Design .

Works | Enquire | Shop

Branka Vrhovski-Stanton is a Croatian artist and ceramicist, living and working in the UK since 1986.

Branka studied comparative literature and philosophy at the Faculty of Philosophy in her hometown of Zagreb gaining a BA degree, but was left feeling unfulfilled, turning to the arts. She later became passionately involved in painting and ceramics, finally graduating with a Post Graduate Diploma in Ceramics at Goldsmiths College, London.

After Goldsmiths, Branka started her own workshop and acted as a pottery instructor in both adult education and various therapeutic settings around London. Moving out of the city brought an end to teaching and a return to the artistic exploration of ceramics.

Branka explores the sculptural and painting possibilities of a vessel form and prefers to work on larger scale pieces that allow greater freedom for expression. The clay used is porcelain, stoneware, and earthenware, each influencing the surface treatment in their own ways. Her work infuses painting, ceramics and sculpture, so shapes might be pre-planned, grow spontaneously, or both.

Inspired by abstract expressionism, painting has a strong presence in her ceramics. Branka’s vessels form a canvas for spontaneous abstract and semi-abstract marks and shapes, and as such, she prefers to work on larger scale pieces that allow greater freedom for brushwork. The painting on their surface is created with slips and engobes, chosen for their anti-reflective qualities and resemblance to wall paintings, while on a smaller shapes these are often partially or wholly covered by the lightly coloured transparent glaze or two.
Branka’s crank clay and earthenware vessels are fired to 1100 - 1120 degrees celsius. They are not glazed, but after firing the slips are sealed with a layer of purified beeswax and transparent matt varnish, as these give a certain depth to the slips but otherwise keep them unchanged. It is advised that no liquids be applied to these pieces and a quick dusting with a soft dry cloth will maintain them.

Black clay and porcelain vessels are fired to 1250 - 1255 degrees celsius and are watertight, which means they can be hand washed where necessary. However, any pieces with gold leaf should be kept away from solvents, excessive light and heat.
Branka Vrhovski-Stanton’s work is held in private collections internationally.

She was twice shortlisted for The Starting up Grant, Crafts Council England in 1991 and 1992. She was awarded the Prince’s Trust Starting up Grant, 1992-93.

In 2002, Branka won an award for the most inventive use of materials at London Potters Christmas Exhibition, Morley Gallery, London.