Artist Pollyanna Johnson uses ceramics as her canvas. She liberates the female sitters from Old Master portraits and paints them on antique-shaped ceramics, alongside contemporary phrases, and the results are as thought provoking as they are decorative!
I caught up with Polly recently to find out what influences her work, who collects it, and why portraits in all their forms are never far from the public conscience!
Ophelia - by Sir John Everett Millais (1851/2) Tate Britain.
When, where and how did your fascination with ceramics begin? A few years ago my partner Joseph was experimenting with ceramics and gave me a plate to paint on. I’ve always loved looking at portraits of women from art history, and decided to paint a study of Ophelia by John Everett Millais on the plate. The process of painting onto ceramics is quite magical, the way you glaze the piece, fire it and then open the kiln to something unknown, is somewhat like varnishing an oil painting at the end of the process - bringing the piece to life. My mind was immediately full of portraits I wanted to paint onto plates, and I haven’t stopped since.
What is it that you love so much about English delftware? I particularly love the imperfections in early English delftware, in which you can really see the makers mark. Taking inspiration from such a recognisable and traditional style enables me to hide modern twists within the pieces. I love the idea that my ceramics could be mistaken for antiques.
Pollyanna at work.
How would you describe yourself… artist or ceramicist? I would say I’m an artist. I still love oil painting and am hoping to find time to do more of it. I am definitely not an expert when it comes to the making side of ceramics , but that is what I love about the process. I strive to keep that naivety when making ceramic pieces, and love the juxtaposition between a wonky plate with a detailed, precise painting on.
Where can we purchase your work? I have regular collections online with Partnership Editions. I have a few projects in the making and will update these on my Instagram
Is it possible to commission one-off works from you? If so where would one begin? I would love to be able to take on commissions but unfortunately I currently don’t have the capacity. Each piece takes several weeks, as there is the whole making process, and then the painting afterwards. If only there were more hours in the day
Mr and Mrs Andrews by Thomas Gainsborough at The National Gallery.
When was your favourite art produced and can you name some favourite works from that period? I go through different moods of liking different periods in art. I think a constant favourite are the Pre-Raphaelites. I have two paintings I love to visit in London, which are Ophelia at Tate Britain, and Mrs and Mrs Andrews at the Th National Gallery.
What kind of person purchases your work? My work is mostly bought by women. I think this is because of my strong feminist themes, as well as lots of references to street harassment and catcalling, which most women can relate to. Quite a few art historians and interior designers purchase my work also.
Why are portraits having a ‘moment’ now do you think? I think portraits are never far from the public conscience, especially with important competitions like the BP Portrait. Portraiture will also get a boost this year with no fewer than 7 Lucian Freud shows opening in London, not that it needed it!
Can you think of one stand out exhibition that you loved? Recently I saw a Pre Raphaelites exhibition at the Ashmolean, which consisted of drawings and watercolours on paper. The sheer beauty of these pieces inspires me to carry on drawing and creating.
Borderlands - 41×32 inches, oil on aluminum panel ©2022 Fatima Ronquillo
‘Daphne Says Fuck Off’ - from a selection of work available at Partnership Editions.
You are celebrated for juxtaposing 17th/18th female portraits with thought provoking phrases…which other contemporary artists challenge and inspire you? I love the Guerrilla Girls and their feminist work that challenges societal and gender norms. Other contemporary painters that inspire me are Michael Borremans, Fatima Ronquillo, Neo Rauch, and Rose Wylie.
What is the biggest challenge that you face professionally? I think it is finding the time for everything when running a business solo, whilst also making sure I give myself enough time to create the pieces. I also need to improve my ability to ring fence my free time!
Which other ceramicists inspire you? Philip Eglin, Claire Partington and Grayson Perry
Is there a work that you produced that you found it difficult to part with? I think because there is a constant stream of work, pieces become ‘old’ quite quickly for me, so I am never too precious about parting with work. My partner Joseph Dupré’s work, however, is always being earmarked by me when he finishes it, and then stolen for our home. He recently made me a pilgrim flask for me to paint, so I may find it hard to sell that one.
Where are you happiest? Exploring galleries in London with my partner Joseph
Pollyanna Johnson and her partner Joseph Dupres in their studio.
To view more of Pollyannas work you can visit Pollyanna Johnson
Nick Cox / Period Portraits October 2022.