Kay Aplin is a sculptor specialising in architectural ceramics and has been creating site-specific commissions for the public realm and large-scale tiled installations since graduating from Chelsea College of Art in 1995.
Kay’s work responds to place. Concepts evolve through observing detail and pattern within nature and architecture. Her process involves using a microscope to uncover hidden details in botanical and geological specimens which are magnified to reveal intricate designs that become the basis for her porcelain tile-based compositions. She achieves her glaze effects through wood firing, which produces unique and inimitable results subject to chance, unpredictability and time.
Kay’s public art commissions are located in many parts of the UK and internationally. Her work is held in public and private collections and she has had solo shows and group exhibitions in many countries. Exhibitions include “Mediterraneo” Ceramic Biennial, Grottaglie (Italy), Aveiro Ceramics Biennial (Portugal), Kogei Triennial Kanazawa (Japan), British Ceramics Biennial, European Ceramic Context (Denmark) and Collect, Saatchi Gallery, London.
She is a member of the International Academy of Ceramics, a selected member of the Craft Potter’s Association and a Homo Faber artisan. Kay has won many awards, including from Arts Council England, British Council and Creative Europe.
In 2011, Kay founded The Ceramic House, an award-winning pop-up gallery, project space, artists residency and living showcase of her ceramic installations. Since 2016, Kay has been collaborating curatorially with sound artist Joseph Young, investigating the intersections between ceramic and sound art practice. The Ceramic House produces an ongoing programme of artistic projects which are ambitious and international in scope. They work in partnership with galleries, museums, universities, festivals and artists to produce ambitious multi-faceted projects incorporating exhibitions, residencies, films, publications and performances. Their residency at Interface in 2022 was part of their most ambitious project to date, EDGES (2022-24), an exploration of collaborative ceramic and sound art practice across 3 nations: Ireland, Estonia and the UK.
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