Manifesto Elk Candelabras

Elks are thought to have last roamed Scotland 3000 years ago, until the last Ice Age retracted, taking much of the beasts’ habitat with it. Glasgow-based artist Katie Rose Johnston of Manifesto, has immortalised their majestic memory in ceramic form.  Katie has created these statuesque candle holders sculpted from paper clay, using terracotta clay mixed with recycled paper pulp and grog from her studio.

The paper element burns away in the kiln, leaving a curiously strong yet light material with a honeycomb structure. Before firing, Katie textures the surface of the forms with a pottery tool, forging their gentle ridges. White slip is painted on after their first firing, and sponged off. Texture and glaze together mimic the ethereal beauty of a knurled elk antler.