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Matt Davis

In his practice, Matt Davis combines digital design with ceramic craft. His forms are defined by historical vessel research, which have been distilled into archetypal interpretations. His earlier objects were of the most simple vases and bottle shapes, today he explores classic British and Oriental designs.

The surfaces of his vessels are generated by converting data structures that store geometric information, into a continuous 3D domain. Progressively higher resolutions generate a finer surface and he considers this as the marker that overtly signifies that these are ‘digital’ objects in physical reality.

Matt Davis, Future Heritage 2017 Alumnus

When working on the computer he produces multiple versions of each form, often to the point of total degradation in the surface. An aesthetic judgement is then made on the final texture. During this stage of the process consideration needs to be given of how it will be eventually moulded.

The process involves a period of digital design and further time to produce via 3D printing. As the work has evolved, the prototypes have been spilt into parts to accommodate more complex designs. The surfaces of the biodegradable plastic prints are cleaned and then formed together in preparation, prior to being manually moulded in plaster. The anomalies in the relatively crude printing method employed are coveted and lend the pieces more unique persona. The ultimate materials used are Bone China and a black stained Porcelain.

Over time the moulds Davis uses to cast and construct one object, have advanced from simple two part tools into multiple multi-part moulds. To date Davis’ record is casting 3 moulds with a total of 21 parts for a single piece. Thus far the final pieces typically have only a 25% to 50% chance of survival in the kiln and are fired to 1220º with a 1.5 hour soak time.

Matt Davis holds first class degrees with a BA(hons) in Graphic Design from Camberwell School of Art and in a Masters in 3D Design, Brighton University.

His work is held in private collections across the globe and in the public collection at the Potteries Museum in Stoke-On-Trent. Work has been published in such magazines as Wallpaper*, The Financial Times ‘How to Spend It’, Architectural Digest (Germany) and Elle Decoration. He has also been cited in books published by notable ceramicists, Sasha Wardell and Louisa Taylor.

Li-ion Vessels By Matt Davis

At Future Heritage

For Future Heritage 2017 Matt Davis created 3 new vessels; the ‘Wedesus Urn,’ ‘Li-ion’ vessels and a ‘Large Twist’ in two variants comprising Bone China and a black stained Porcelain. Further to this he designed and made a modular tile installation, again in Bone China and black stained Porcelain, with Gold Leaf variations.

“Taking part in Future Heritage was a huge honour and a fantastic opportunity to meet and exhibit with my contemporaries. I made many useful contacts and received a great deal of national and international press coverage. Overall the experience gave me a great deal of confidence to push my creative career forward and tackle more ambitious projects.”  Matt Davis

Current work

Davis was recently commissioned to create a new vessel to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Giovanni Battista Piranesi. The exhibition was set for summer 2020 at Dublin Castle but has now been postponed till 2021. He is also working on a public art commission to redesign a space in the city centre for the St. Austell Trust in Cornwall He will be implementing a new iteration of the tiles which were originally designed and exhibited for Future Heritage in 2017.

Widgital Vessel By Matt Davis

If you would like to make an enquiry about Matt Davis and commissions, get in touch here or visit his website www.ceramicsx.co.uk