Inspired by the purest discipline of Korean vessels, Buick’s single monumental jar is made from locally derived stone and clay that provides the canvas for his narrative about landscape. This particular work balances elegantly as the form arises from a narrow base, then creates ample curves that assert themselves into the surrounding space.

Rather than try to depict landscape superficially, Buick’s aim is to imbue the entire vessel with materiality and felt meaning, where the elegant blues of the surface glaze are richly textured with mineral inclusions that the artist welcomes as part of the intrinsic metamorphosis of each piece. Buick is inspired by archeological prehistories that venerate the land and, by placing each vast pot in a specific location, hopes to engage the viewer to look beyond the object towards the surroundings and its place within them.

The clay is thrown on the wheel and then fired in a purpose-built large wood kiln to temperatures of 1300°C. This requires a process of constant stoking that requires the presence of the artist before the raw Waun Llodi clay is turned into glass and stone. This further reinforces the connection the artist feels with his uniquely located material.

Adam Buick (b. 1978 in Newport, Gwent) studied Archaeology and Anthropology at Lampeter University before enrolling in Art School in 2003 and undertaking a Ceramics and Design course in 2004. Exhibitions include: Make, Hauser & Wirth, Southampton (2022); Y Lle Celf, National Eisteddfod, Tregaron (2022); Retracing Nature, Make, Hauser & Wirth, Somerset (2019); Frieze Art Fair with Corvi-Mora (2018); Things of Beauty Growing, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (2019); Collect Saatchi Gallery, London (2019); British Pavilion, Cheongju Biennale, Korea (2017); Material: Earth, Messums, Wiltshire (2017); British Craft: The Miami Edit, Crafts Council UK (2016); Inclusions, The Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh (2016). In January 2017, Adam received a Creative Wales Award from the Arts Council of Wales; allowing him to undertake creative experimentation and research to inform his future practice.