Iona creates functional and sculptural ceramic pieces exploring lichens as inspiration, which she can observe in her local rural area. The sculptural pieces are created using a variety of different ceramic techniques, including throwing methods to create crackled surfaces, specialist crawling and bubbled glazes and wild foraged materials. Iona has developed specific glazes and unusual techniques to replicate the textures and colour seen within lichens. Through the cracks in the vessels Iona has added embroidery, crochet and felting to enhance the pieces and to express thoughts about lichens in the natural world and their connection to the human being. Through the pieces Iona encourages people to become more environmentally aware yet also to explore ideas about relationships, the vulnerability and resilience of life.
