Torcitura is the Italian word for twist.

This piece, in this space, a space I have long admired, is a summation of a number of obsessions I have had over the last few years.

I have been interested in 3D architectural space in general for a while, so the particular and dynamic space of this gallery was inspirational and pivotal in the creation of this piece.  I have also been obsessed with “found” forms – specifically, forms that refuse to declare their function or origin, yet are vaguely familiar. Torcitura is such a form. Large, long, twisting and almost alive, it has the characteristics of a found form. It is eroded, non-specific, and appears to be a fragment of an even larger mysterious form.

Finally mould making, model making and modular structures are methods of ceramic form making that have occupied my practice for many years and therefore seemed like the most appropriate way to construct Torcitura.

I would like to thank the following people for their support, advice, patience and help in assembling Torcitura: Jane Wilson; Ted Hodgetts; Iris Dorton; Bill Rowland; Wolf Kohler; Josef Roschar; John Ireland; and Harald Glass for the pictures of the installation.

Thanks also to Joan McNeil for her informative essay .

Special thanks to Illi Maria Tamplin who supported and believed in this project from the beginning.