Keith Hallett is fascinated with duality and juxtaposition. As an architect who has become a ceramicist his sculptural works occupy the space between function and non-function; craft-based art and ideas-based art working with a kind of controlled stream of consciousness. It is as if he has finally been let loose on a material that he can play with and create with, without any dire consequences.

 

His pots are a playful take on classic container forms: collaged slabs with overhangs and angles, using a range of colours which neither match nor clash. The vessels are made, deconstructed and rebuilt, combining the clay slabs back together to create new and as yet unseen shapes expressing a wonderful feeling of freedom.  The way he makes marks varies constantly, sometimes making unusual marks either imagined or half remembered and at other times carefully researched. He seems most comfortable in a state of constant exploration, devouring influences and inspirations, mastering techniques and traditions as he goes.