Sydney-based ceramicist Hayden Youlley’s Paper Series translates the random creases from a crumpled piece of paper into an imprint that offers the perfect balance of chaos and control. “I cast this form by hand in porcelain, transforming the often-discarded flawed object, fragile and temporary, into something robust and permanent,” he says.
Youlley works from his studio in Sydney’s Marrickville, using a slip casting process for his Paper Series as well as his other ranges, Tessalate and I.M Light.
The Paper Series was the result of a long process of testing different techniques, before settling on the best solution: “I found a way to augment the surface of the plaster moulds I use for slip casting the range with a crushed paper detail,” says Youlley. “It was a tedious process that took six months of trial and error.”
Ceramics and design has been Youlley’s full time occupation for five years, but he feels like he is only just getting started. Taking advantage of the current trend in homemade ceramics, Youlley sells his work at a range of different stores throughout Australia and can be found selling his work at various design and craft markets in Sydney.
“The community of Sydney ceramicists is amazing,” he says. “It’s a small world and everyone is really nice, helpful and friendly. There is such a wide variety of techniques and finishes on offer to ceramicists that there is rarely, if ever any overlap in design. I am always excited to see what other people are inspired to create in clay and love talking design and craft with everyone.”
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