Biographical Note:
Mikaela Bartlett gained her BA (Hons) in Ceramics at Wolverhampton University where her interest in the human figure began. She gained a fellowship with Tayler Merricks, spending six months working with Foundation and City in Guilds students at Walsall College of Art and Technology. Returning to Wales, Mikaela continued making figurative Ceramics, actively seeking movement by stretching the limbs of her figures to such a degree so that their motion is accentuated; this also gives the impression of fragility and delicateness. The nakedness of the figures suggests equality and an air of primitiveness, materialistic possessions losing importance or status. Her larger figures are achieved by rolling thin slabs of earthenware or stoneware clay onto plaster batts covered with slip to produce the tall elegant figures. Supports are used around the pieces during the making and firing of the figures so they are able to be as thin and elegant as possible. The smaller figures are made using wire armatures, wrapping around them layers of material dipped in a slip; paper clay is then added for strength and to give details and features to the pieces. The figures are then fired at a low temperature and body stains and oxides are used to colour them. They are then fired again at a low temperature and the figures then attached to ceramic plinths or wooden frames.