Hello, my name is Zelide Edge – since discovering clay many years ago, I have been fascinated with its tactile nature; after all it is earth and it keeps me down to earth.

Having spent half my life in Africa, much of my inspiration comes from tribal patterns, fabrics and colours. I am interested in the the relationship between the form, texture and pattern on the vessel. Exploring the rhythm of pattern through the application process and the visual result, I create decorative objects for the home using both slip and underglaze.  I want my work to be touched, displayed and used.

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Wheel Thrown

I take clay and explore its versatility on the potter's wheel, shaping the clay into pleasing forms.  Constantly trying to improve and learn; I play with proportion, form and shape to create a family of vessels to be a canvas for the patterns that will tie them together.

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Pattern & Colour

I am fascinated with the rhythm of pattern, both visually and the application of the design.  By adding colour to the decorating slip or underglaze allows contrast between the colours or between the clay body and the applied pattern.

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Texture

Textured designs are applied freehand by a process called slip trailing and non-textured are drawn on and then painted or using the paper resist method of application.

My work