New salt crystal exhibition at Wheal Martyn Clay Works

The new exhibition of crystalline salt structures will be on display at Wheal Martyn Clay Works, near St Austell.

Titled ‘Expressions of Salt and China Clay Traces,’ the exhibit reveals the process behind the creation of ceramics by artist Caroline Winn.

The works in the exhibit tell the story of the artist's 'Salt Journey', and highlight her interest in the history and value of clay and salt.

The exhibition not only features Ms Winn's newer works, but also includes pieces created with china clay obtained from the Wheal Martyn pit.

Caroline started by growing large salt crystals in her studio. Cubic in form, these tiny cubes grew tightly bound together.

She then went on to produce 3D digital images of the crystals and using a 3D printer, produced reverse moulds for the clay.

This creative process has enabled Caroline to capture and faithfully depict the intricate structure and form of salt crystals in her work.

The artist, based in both West Cornwall and London, has a long and established career, and her work has been displayed throughout the UK.

She hopes that the exhibition will bring to the fore relevant stories around migration and trade, given that experimentation around clay and salt fuels her work.

Salt, needed by humans and animals for nutrition, has been traded for thousands of years.

Likewise, the first use of china clay for fine white porcelain dates back more than 10,000 years to China.

Sian Powell, exhibition and engagement officer at Wheal Martyn, said: "We are delighted to be bringing this new body of work by Caroline Winn to Cornwall, which will offer an insight into her creative ‘Salt Journey’ process from salt crystal to finished ceramic, including pieces made from Wheal Martyn clay."

Caroline Winn's 'Expressions of Salt and China Clay Traces’ will be on display around the museum and in the Roger Preston Gallery from Friday, May 3 to Monday, July 1.