Sam Bakewell works predominantly with clay exploring the relationship between making, creativity and mental health. Bakewell believes in the power of clay to reveal our subconscious by engaging with the material while letting the mind wander. Growing up in a small village in Somerset, Bakewell spent many hours digging up clay in his garden. Taking evening classes with his father from the age of 8, he followed whatever path he could to continue to use clay. His practice explores the expansive formal possibilities of clay through a self-critical and autobiographical approach. He dissects the role of the maker, the objects made, and the cultural/aesthetic value systems bestowed upon them.
For the Dust V (2018) and Dust IV (2018) pieces, Bakewell used the shavings from fine-sanding his works transforming the detritus into new work. Firstly, the dust is sieved, fired and sieved again. Then it is arranged in neat piles on small, compact blocks which are then fired to set. Bakewell achieves a variety of effects with the dust, some piles are slightly clumped while others remain a fine powder. It is a playful manipulation of material creating a sense of vulnerability through the illusion that the dust could be blown away. The Dust pieces are deceptively fragile highlighting Bakewell’s skill as a ceramicist. The colours are carefully considered pairing bright colours with pastel and dark powders. The sculptures almost resemble a painter’s palette with mounds of pigment neatly arranged.
Nottingham City Museums & Galleries has a large collection of pottery including 18th century Wedgwood ceramics and 20th century studio pottery, but contemporary ceramics are under-represented. Bakewell’s acquisition reflects the innovative and more conceptual making of today’s ceramic artists and makes connections with other parts of its collection, including contemporary textiles and sculptural installations.
