Peacocks in a Tree

Description

Handmade using white earthenware clay and decorated using a combination of coloured engobe slips (liquid clay that will fire and stick onto the body of the pot without the need of being covered with glaze) and oxides. Finished using a combination of an earthenware gloss glaze, (coloured or transparent) and unglazed areas which are sometimes waxed. I rolled out a sheet of clay, cut out the tile and added the border using a wooden printing block. I then sketched out my design, cut out paper resist shapes and started decorating. The peacock’s wing and tail feathers have been glazed and the border has been glazed using a turquoise gloss glaze. My inspiration came from birds and their symbolic meaning to create a narrative of positivity and joy.

According to some myths and legends, the peacock symbolises nobility and protection. In the Bible it symbolises wealth and prosperity. In Native America it symbolises self-confidence, dignity, knowledge, and beauty. As for the tree, for me it symbolises stability and family.