COUGHLAN, Zoe
My practice explores the parallels between contemporary craft practice and the archaeological process. Both approaches involve a tactile and process-driven engagement with materials. In craft, the maker follows the flows in the material, with the final outcome being a correspondence between maker and material. In archaeology, something similar happens: the archaeologist follows the cuts, identifies the fills and co-creates knowledge in the present via an engagement with the past. My practice spans more traditional ceramic work (vessels and sculptures) with an interest in surface pattern, texture and print, to more experimental performance and installation-based works which use raw and low-fired clay. I have often been inspired by the built environment, particularly the dense public housing estates and ruined rural villages in Hong Kong.
