Key details
Date
- 6 June 2024
Author
- RCA
Read time
- 2 minutes
Serena Dicks is a British Ceramic Artist who’s playful dynamic forms gesture towards her Cypriot roots. Her technique blends traditional and contemporary practice drawing inspiration from antiquated ceramics, landscapes, architecture and colour.
As the recipient of one of our first Märit Rausing Scholarships in Ceramics & Glass, Serena told us that the funding has been ‘a boost in confidence and a testament to my abilities’ giving her the opportunity to scale up and develop her work in the RCA’s Ceramics & Glass Studio.
What were you up to before coming to the RCA?
I was making my work in a studio in Woolwich, alongside working at V&A, then later, at Slade School. I also went on a couple residencies to Cyprus which radically changed my practice.
What inspires you in your work politically and culturally?
My practice is influenced by my Cypriot heritage, particularly its material culture and history of ceramics. I draw references from traditional patterns and ceramics techniques, finding new approaches too.
How has being at the RCA helped you hone your practice as a ceramicist?
During my time on the MA Ceramics & Glass, my ways of thinking have been challenged and pushed into new avenues, which have fed into my making processes. These have helped me discover my approaches in my practice that are more expressive, gestural and confident.
“The studio culture on the Ceramics and Glass course has been my favourite thing about studying here.”
What’s your favourite thing about the RCA’s Ceramics & Glass studio?
The studio culture on the Ceramics and Glass programme has been my favourite thing about studying here. I love working alongside other makers who create a positive and enriching environment.
Do you have a favourite moment from your time at the RCA?
Our trip to Stoke-On-Trent for the British Ceramics Biennial. It was very early on during the programme, and a great experience visiting exhibitions and building friendships.
How have tutors and/or technicians enriched your experience at the RCA?
It really is a privilege to learn from the tutors and technicians who have a wealth of experience and expertise. Particularly the technicians, who always have a solution to technical issues and have introduced me to new processes that have enriched my practice.
“The scholarship has allowed me to scale up my work, and develop my own slips and glazes.”
How has the Märit Rausing Scholarship in Ceramics & Glass influenced your personal growth, in terms of confidence, skills, or a broader perspective on the practice of Ceramics & Glass?
Being awarded the Märit Rausing Scholarship in Ceramics & Glass has been such a boost in confidence and testament to my abilities. It’s given me the opportunity to explore new ideas and take risks in my practice, which has made me a more confident maker.
Have there been instances where the scholarship allowed you to explore new tools or techniques that you might not have had access to otherwise?
The scholarship has allowed me to scale up my work and develop my own slips and glazes. It’s given me the opportunity to find new approaches and methods of creating moulds, handbuilding and throwing on the wheel.
“Beyond the RCA, I see myself as a global practitioner.”
Why do you believe the support of scholarships is important for aspiring artists and designers today?
Coming from a working class background, having the support of a scholarship has been central to being able to go to the RCA. I believe having the financial support and scholarship validation means not worrying about financial concerns, but also has given me= confidence and time to commit to advancing my practice.
What are your aspirations for the future, beyond your time at the RCA?
Beyond the RCA, I see myself as a global practitioner: taking on international residencies and exhibitions. I would also like to pursue a PhD later on at the RCA, particularly related to Cypriot Ceramic Culture.
