LESLEY BOERIO
“I find inspiration all around me, from lyrics I hear on the radio, to colours of someone’s outfit in the park.”
Most of my pieces start with a sketch so it’s down on paper and I don’t forget significant elements of the work. I make my work from moulds and slabs so I then roll out the clay in readiness. It’s a very therapeutic process; rolling and smoothing the clay; it can be very calming. This is then pressed into a mould and dried so it keeps it shape. I then cut out my letters from another slab and attach to the body of the piece. After the first firing I can then glaze the piece.
Everything I create is ceramic. I was drawn to this material three years ago after becoming uninspired with paint and canvas. The 3d element of clay and the endless options with this material sparked new interest and a new beginning for me.
Lesley’s work is celebrated for its vibrant fusion of colour and words, embodying a bold and eye-catching style. Lesley’s creations are more than just visual art; they are dynamic narratives infused with the evocative power of language. By incorporating words into her pieces, she aims to spark memories and evoke personal connections, offering viewers a deeper, more intimate experience.
A prominent member of the Ceramics Co-op in Deptford and London Potters. Lesley’s has previously shown work in Thrown Contemporary’s Winter Exhibition and is a resident artist for George Gallery, Brighton, where several of her vases are on display.
I like to move out of the norm; a vase can also be a piece of art, not just simply functional. The same with trinket trays, ash trays, plates. Currently I am exploring vases with necks at different angles, not just the normal straight up; can these still be functional? I believe so. It’s the same with my plates and ash trays, I don’t think the base needs to be always flat- my letters add a 3D element and further interest to the piece but these still can be used in a functional way.