My style of contemporary design has been influenced by living abroad in Libya, Cyprus and Gibraltar, with different nationalities and experiencing new cultures and lifestyles. Inspired by my passion for colours, patterns, texture and mixed media and many indicate my designs look more Mediterranean and even Mexican! My ceramic designs have been called ‘extravagant, exuberant, unusual, packed with colour and offering humour’.
A selection of ceramic designs, inspired by the beauty of nature and natural forms and focussed on ‘threatened and endangered species’ – flowers, corals, fish and living forms and necessity for crucial conservation. I travel and explore and transform living forms into decorative functional vibrant vessels linked with frivolity, fun and diversity.
Studies, Awards and Exhibitions:
- Foundation at Kingston College of Art & Design. Passed with Distinction and Awarded: The Dominic Bruce Memorial Prize for being ‘the student who has gained most from his or her studies’
- Degree show 15-22 June 2007 - BA(Hons) Ceramic Design, Central Saint Martins, University of Arts
- New Designers Show, Islington (4-8 July 2007) Degree designs exhibition: a judge showed interest in my designs and included my name in the awards ‘selection of designers’.
Image credits (from left): Blenny coral (Shirley Uytenhaak), Flamboyant Coral (Shirley Uytenhaak), Exotic coral (Shirley Uytenhaak )
Shirley Uytenhaak
Ceramics
20 Cranes Drive, Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 8AL
T: 020 8399 2194
Contact: Shirley Uytenhaak
Shirley.uytenhaak@blueyonder.co.uk