The 2010 Shap School Community Project by Steve Valentine of Edge Ceramic's and “Kidsty Pike” class children

During June and July 2010 and before the school holidays started, Shap’s very own Ceramic Artist Steve Valentine from Brackenber Lodge worked with the children of Shap schools “ Kidsty Pike” class on a new ceramic project for the school and for Shap village community as a whole. Which I must stress is created  by the communities children for the village community.

Steve, the children and teachers created a series of stoneware ceramic tiles forming a beautiful crucifix for the outside of the schools new building and entrance. Steve got the children to think about the natural environment around Shap and asked them to collect natural objects found in around the village. These objects were then brought in by the children to use in the creation of their ceramic tiles. The natural objects were then used to create the forms and patterns on the tiles surfaces. The resulting “artwork” is nothing short of stunning and will look beautiful when it eventually finds its way onto the buildings exterior. The tiles have been mounted on wood and form a large, striking ceramic crucifix.  Steve has also immortalised the creation of the project with a handmade plaque with the date, wording and reason for the community project set in the clay for time in memorial.

The children created the tiles in pairs and they all look completely different to each other as well which in itself is a testament to each child’s individual creativity and imagination. Steve then got the children to colour the surfaces with natural oxides reflecting the colours in Shap’s beautiful landscapes and the result is nothing short of amazing. The fired tiles were then glazed with a beautiful green enhancing glaze which, when in “situ” will reflect the changing colours and moods of each passing day.  I would like to thank the children for all their imagination , creativity and unique outlook on the project and they should be extremely proud of what they have essentially designed and created together.

If you would like to know more about Steve and his work please visit the Edge Ceramics website here