Open House events are a great opportunity to discover the work of local artists. This is where I came across Emma Johnson, a Brighton-based ceramicist and designer who works with clay and wood to create architecture-inspired ceramic goods. Her work harks back to the concrete buildings and tower blocks that we refer to as brutalist architecture. Post-war Britain was on a mission to reconstruct its urban centres and swathes of brutalist, low-cost social housing and municipal buildings were erected in the 1950s to meet demand. Prominent examples of the brutalist movement include the concrete tower blocks at London’s Barbican Estate, the new Coventry Cathedral, as well as the University of East Anglia in Norwich.
Although concrete buildings are rarely praised, there are some jaw-dropping examples around the world, notably in the US and in the former Eastern Bloc. It’s the layering of balconies, windows and unusual curves and angles that create the wow factor, leaving the bystander to look up in in awe.
Johnson’s ceramic creations are more like architecture: thoughtful, repeated functional forms designed for everyday use in the home. They are minimalist, elegant, and satisfying to hold and look great stacked up like miniature tower blocks. The colours are also based on the trends of the time.
I’ve been an avid admirer of Johnson’s work and always look out for her updates on instagram.
Useful links for further information below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmajohnsonceramics/?hl=en
Lime Green Phone 