The Art Of Anne Lloyd

Anne Lloyd has explored the artistic realm of ceramics since childhood. Her evolving use of clay as an artistic medium has enabled Anne to depict the human quest for meaning and the spiritual nature of the world around us. Her works are primarily tiles using the bas relief style, though occasionally she sculpts three dimensional works. Bas relief enables Anne to emphasize a strong narrative content in her work. Her themes include representations of the natural world and mythology the inherent nobility of animals. Also the enduring charm of fairy tales and the whimsical and humorous side of life all find a place in her artistic vision. Currently, Anne is creating works using earthenware techniques. She has also been utilizing Raku pottery methods in her work for a decade.

Anne lives in Bryn Mawr, Pa with her husband, Ed and their three cats, Ray, Charlotte and Rocco.

Like all potters, Anne's works can be truly called "gifts from the fire" , but she emphasizes narrative themes familiar and meaningful to all. Her work appears in three books , Handmade Tiles, Handbuilt Ceramics and Ceramic Design, published by Lark Books.

Anne encourages those who view her ceramic creations to become co-creators in these unfolding stories of life and faith.

What is Raku ceramics?

Raku (pronounced ra-koo) originated over 400 years ago in Japan for the tea ceremony. The tiles are taken red hot from the kiln with tongs and the shock from the much cooler air causes cracks to form on the glaze surface .

The tiles are then placed in a metal can filled with straw or other combustibles. The heat of the clay causes the straw to burst into flame and the resulting smoke seeps into the cracks. This is how Raku pieces acquire their “crackle” and smoky appearance. Then each tile is thoroughly cleaned with scrub pads to remove carbon deposits and expose the intricate crackle patterns. There is no predicting the outcome of Raku, each tile is a gift of the fire!