sculpture
Elizabeth Jane Whiteley
Elizabeth Jane Whiteley is a contemporary figurative sculptor working in ceramic. Based in Hertfordshire, UK, her work explores the relationship between the human form and the natural world through mythology, transformation and landscape.
Her current body of work explores the delicate boundary between humanity and the natural world.
Nymphs presents figures in a state of perpetual becoming—elongated forms that move with the fluidity of water, that sit naturally in the texture of the earth and reach out limbs in motion. Through expressive mark-making and layers of glaze, the sculptures emerge as spirits of the landscape, inviting reflection on our own inseparable bond with nature.”
Artist Statement
"Each piece is a unique narrative of growth, transition, and belonging. This collection is representative of a personal period of growth, reflection and the process of opening, healing, and self-discovery. I invite viewers to reflect on the quiet moments in which resilience blossoms into confidence and inner wisdom begins to flourish. "
Glaze
Glaze is not simply decorative it behaves like a painting within each piece. It introduces depth and movement. Layering of glazes creates both emotion and motion. In my Ocean Nymph Foam the glaze illustrates the flowing energy of waves in the ocean crashing on the shore.
Texture
I work mainly with hand sculpting but some textures are created using tools, extrusion and salt and bicarbonate of soda. In my Jungle Nymph-Bud the lava like texture firmly bonds her to the earth from which she emerges.
Hand built
Hand-building creates an intimacy, immediacy and individuality within each figure. Every piece is formed with spirit and energy. These pools in the legs of Breeze my Woodland Nymph are my fingerprints, the glaze rests in the hollows.
