SELECTS06 Lucas Ferreira Ceramic ArtistWilderness by ceramicist Lucas Ferreira, who creates his works from paper clayPHOTOGRAPH PELLE CREPINA Brazilian-born ceramic artist currently based in London, Lucas Ferreira originally trained as a filmmaker – and now produces large, sculptural works with a clear narrative quality running through them; creating his complex landscapes from tiny fragile pieces of paper clay which he makes in his studio. ‘I like the assembly more than the making,’ he admits, ‘because my work requires the making of the materials and then putting them together like building blocks.’ The process isn’t quite as simple and jigsaw-like as he describes it.‘The most important thing about my work is not to be bound by too many rules and just find my own way and my own rhythm as I make a piece. I just allow the piece to find itself.’Ferreira draws most of his inspiration from nature– its surfaces, textures and movements… ‘Ceramics uses all four elements in its construction,’ he says. ‘I would say that my work relates most to earth, because that’s where I find most textures, but all elements influence me on some level. The shapes, the feel, the aesthetics. Whether it’s raging fire or calming waters, I can find something that will influence my work.’The piece featured here is a perfect example of this natural influence in his work – albeit it produced in one of the most urbanised environments in the world. Called Wilderness, the work has an almost inconspicuous streak of green tiles that run between his signature matt white. According to Ferreira, it is ‘an escapist piece’, reminding us of our innate desire to escape the monotonous urban jungle and return to the wild.The impact of the organic can be seen in the way that Ferreira embraces the imperfect character of his assemblages: the tiles are not perfectly symmetrical, varying in size, so that when they are joined together they create undulating topographies rather than a uniform surface. ‘I think the concept of elements to me represents being open – to allowing all these different aesthetics that influence my work; whether it’s finding textures in the earth or the shapes of natural phenomena – or seeing lines in the horizon and trying to create a conceptual image that will eventually become an art piece.’ ferreiravisuals.comINTERVIEWFIELD OF DREAMSBrad Ford, founder of Field + Supply, on how he has elevated the arts and crafts fair concept for a new, discerning audience – all by keeping things ‘inspirational, aspirational and rational’…Can you explain the philosophy behind Field + Supply?I grew up in a small town in Arkansas and as a child I always looked forward to the annual Arts and Crafts fair. I loved the experience of being surrounded by so many creative people and seeing their latest designs. I also liked that it was a ‘happening’ and felt very social. To be honest, it was really my first exposure to design.As an adult I longed for that same sense of discovery, but my taste level has become a bit more elevated. I’ve been doing high-end interior design work in the city for almost 20 years, so I really wanted to combine the idea of where I came from and where I am now. With that in mind, I wanted to create an experience similar to the fairs I have such fond memories of, but in a new, very carefully curated context. I’ve met a number of craftspeople and furniture designers in both New York City and the Hudson Valley over the years and I thought it would be fun to bring some of my favourites together in one spot, to celebrate artistry and craftsmanship.Do you feel you’ve tapped into a need for people to reconnect with the physical in the digital age? I definitely think we’ve created an experience that people look forward to, which re-engages all their senses. It’s a very layered experience that would be almost impossible to replicate online – and based on the turnout each year it seems like it’s something people are craving.How have you seen the audience change over the past five years?The attendance continues to grow each year, but what’s surprised me most is where they’re coming from. The first year it was mainly locals and people with weekend houses in the Hudson Valley. Then each year we noticed more and more people coming from the city. And then we started seeing people come from the West Coast and now a lot of people are coming in from outside of the country. We’ve had everyone there from actress Michelle Williams to Belgian designer Vincent Van Duysen, so it’s also become a bit of a Who’s Who…What stands you apart from the traditional ‘arts and crafts’ fair? One of the things I’ve been very conscientious of from the beginning is to create a fair that feels elevated, but not exclusive. I want everyone to feel welcome, whether you’re a local or someone coming over from London. There may be a $15,000 dining table in one booth that’s beautifully crafted, but in the next there might be a $10 jar of local honey. We aim to keep it inspirational, aspirational and rational.You’ve now moved to Hutton Brickyards – what makes that such an ideal venue for you?Firstly Kingston, New York – where the Hutton Brickyards is located – is a beautiful town steeped in rich history and with a lot of development on the horizon. A lot of artists are moving there because they’re able to afford bigger studios and have a better quality of life. Kingston feels like what a community is supposed to feel like. Hutton Brickyards is a really cool spot right on the Hudson River. For years the brick making that took place there was a centre of industry for Kingston. Over the years it had fallen into disrepair, but was recently redeveloped to be an event space and to promote arts, culture, festivals and music. The size of the venue and built-in infrastructure makes Hutton Brickyard an ideal location for us.What are your plans for 2019 and beyond? Ideally we’d like to explore other areas of the US to hold additional fairs, but I want to make sure it’s done mindfully. As they say, a slow-growing tree has strong roots – and I like to approach my business that way as well. I believe in a strong foundation and I want to continue letting this evolve organically.What is the most satisfying part of your job? To be honest, it’s seeing everyone at the fair – vendors and attendees – enjoying themselves, smiling, laughing, relaxing and supporting one another. I know it sounds a bit simple, but sometimes simple pleasures are the most rewarding. fieldandsupply.com Brad Ford, left, is elevating the arts and crafts fair from his new base at historic Hutton Brickyards, New York CityPHOTOGRAPHS MARTIN CROOK