Multiple Personality Order

‘Multiple Personality Disorder’ - 80 Ceramic Heads on stained Trellis 2022

I am not a ceramic artist and haven’t used the medium much since I was a boy attending pottery classes. But last year as we went into lockdown I grabbed a bag of clay from Kumeu Arts and began to make these heads. I found it incredibly therapeutic and calming so I set myself the challenge of making one a day. This task wasn’t too onerous - some were quite immediate while others took longer. It was just important for me to routinely go into my studio to find some personal space and create something – however small or simple. I saw this as a way to stay sane. As the days passed the collection grew. Many of the faces are characters I’ve always drawn. Some are taken from tribal designs. I’d also seen a display of ancient Mexican ceramic heads at Auckland Museum prior to the lockdown and that inspired me too. Others were less intentional and appeared to materialise spontaneously. Looking back, I see now that each one reflects a particular day or mood, of which, there were many. I think, while surrounding myself with multiple companions I was also seeking comfort in something nostalgic.