Ruth Worgan
Artwork for Ruth Worgan
Details
How would you describe the work you do and why?
My work is an expression of my experience of being an 'older' woman; someone who has suffered and recovered from burnout and a lover of the natural world. My aim is to connect with my audience by creating pieces that express relatable moods, emotions and experiences of living in this stressful world. I am inspired by people I know and have worked with as a nurse and therapist, as well as the rhythms, patterns and colours of the natural world. Celebrating nature is important to me in honouring where we come from and trying to care better for it.
For you what does being an artist mean?:
The most important part of my practice to be able to express myself freely and develop the skills to do that well. Being able to express empathy and understanding with other people and trying to make sense of being a human being in this crazy world, are also important aspects of my practice.
Describe what you call yourself/your practice?:
Ceramic sculptor mainly exploring figurative and abstract forms. My work is mainly slab built from crank or semi-grogged stonewear, usually without an armature so the form can evolve as it is built and can be shaped from both inside and out. I use a combination of slips, underglazes, oxides and glazes to create abstract surface patterning, applied using free body movements and chance, so creating uncontrolled, natural abstract patterns and textures. I love drips and the way slips and underglazes can accentuate the texture of the clay giving an unfinished raw sense to the piece. We are all 'work in progress' after all. I am also a student of Contemporary Design Craft at Hereford College of Arts.
Your practice & activities include e.g workshops, teaching:
Currently I make most of my work at college and spend two or three days a week doing that. I like to play around with different media at home and am experimenting with bio-materials made from plants sourced on my regular walks along the river Wye, as well as recycled and repurposed materials that happen to come my way.
CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice:
Foundation Diploma (Portfolio) in Art and Design, Hereford College of Arts 2025
Exhibitions in the last 3 years:
Foundation Portfolio final show at HCA 2025