Steen Ipsen

I work in a decorative ceramic expression that involves both form and decoration. Decoration is integrated into the form and the form itself is spatially decorative
The sculptures are all unique. The process is based on hand-built elements built up in terms and variations or freehand modelled objects. I focus on a high level of craftsmanship, with ceramics being the central part of my works.
My works are glazed and fired several times to achieve a perfect and monochrome surface. In contrast to the object, you can see colored strings or hand-decorated patterns to express the influence of the sculpture´s movements and how to put the works into a spatial context showing a strong graphic expression.

https://www.steen-ipsen.dk/about/

Ipsen hand builds each element then assembles them together, he is interested in playfulness and movement in his pieces, he focusses much more on process and finish and less on a specific narrative, for him the joy is in the hands on process of making, he doesn't use any casting or wheel throwing in his work, but yet they do have a mechanical precision to them. I like the use of pvc cord, there is something more chaotic about how these look, almost like he's trying to hold everything together, perhaps a metaphor for control, who knows? I can see myself making work in this way and recognise that I can take my pieces in two very different directions. I can make work that continues to strive for that meticulous surface and utilises simple abstract forms, or I can make work that is more like that of Toni Losey, where every piece is very different, the surfaces and additions are more textural and the pieces have a more surreal 'other worldly' look to them. This is an important decision to make and one that I need to be confident I can sustain going forward into my final module.