Marion Brandis Ceramics

ARCHITECTURAL CERAMICS AND MOSAICS

I design and make work for public art commissions. I specialise in ceramics, tiles and mosaics in indoor and outdoor settings. My work is suitable for entrance areas, gardens, murals, swimming pools, bathrooms and kitchens, in fact anywhere a durable, tactile and colourful surface is required. I usually work to commission, mainly for healthcare trusts and local authorities, but also for commercial and private clients and community projects. I often work as a lead artist as part of a team with other professionals such as architects, landscape designers, building contractors.

However, my practise has included working with other materials as well. As a qualified landscape designer I know how to integrate work into outdoor settings. More recently, I have undertaken commissions designing and installing wallpapers, vinyls and window films.

I am committed to creating art that is fit for its purpose, relates well to its location, and is seen as an asset by the people for whom it is created.

PUBLIC ART COMMISSIONS

I love making work that is accessible to everyone, both in content and location. My bespoke mosaics and ceramics are colourful and uplifting, and I have enjoyed working in diverse and sometimes difficult locations, particularly in hospitals. The key to a successful commission is good consultation. I try to include people in the whole process of creating a work of art as much as possible. A lot of commissions have involved community groups in various ways, in the form of consultation sessions, presentations and workshops.

I have worked in hospitals, mental health units, healthy living centres, libraries, public parks, museums, housing estates and many other places. Ceramics are very suited to public settings, both inside and out of doors, because they are tough, easy to clean and maintain, and vandal-resistant.

Knowing my material is important to me. Because I hand-make most of my pieces, I can obtain both bright and subtle colours to suit any design.

The inspiration for my work often comes from the brief; developing a design is usually a dialogue between the client and me. I take great care to create work that will fit well within its surroundings, that looks as if it is meant to be there.