Artist research- Carrie Horwood

Carrie Horwood, Mother Cradling Her Child, 2021. Portland stone sculpture

Carrie Horwood's sculpture Mother Cradling Her Child (2021) caught my attention because of its smooth flowing forms and the way the figures are simplified into organic shapes. Although the sculpture clearly represents a mother and child, it does not rely on realistic details. Instead, Horwood uses curves, negative space and form to communicate emotion. The piece feels calm, nurturing and protective, despite its simplicity.

What I found particularly inspiring was the way the sculpture flows around itself. From every angle there is something different to discover. The openings and spaces between the forms become just as important as the solid material. This made me think about my own interest in creating something three-dimensional in ceramics. I am often drawn to sculpture that encourages the viewer to move around it and experience it from multiple viewpoints.

My own work is usually inspired by motherhood, childhood and personal memories, and Horwood's sculpture demonstrates how these themes can be explored through form alone. Rather than relying on surface decoration or fine detail, she allows the shape of the sculpture to tell the story. This has encouraged me to think more carefully about how I can use ceramic forms to express emotion and connection.

I am particularly interested in the balance between abstraction and representation within Horwood's work. The figures remain recognisable, yet they have been reduced to their essential shapes. This approach makes me consider how I might simplify forms within my own ceramic practice while still retaining their emotional meaning.