Fine Art

The Ghost Pots

The Ghost Pots came from a desire to explore the way light and shadow can transform ordinary objects into something otherworldly. I chose to work with white charcoal on black paper because of the striking contrast it offers, creating a sense of depth and luminosity that’s almost ethereal. The process began with carefully observing the pots, noticing their subtle textures, the way the light caught the curves, and the faint reflections on their surfaces. Using the white charcoal, I started by outlining their shapes, building up layers to highlight the shadows and create a sense of volume. It was a delicate balance—too much pressure would smudge or overpower the dark paper, but the right amount would allow the pots to emerge with a soft, ghostly presence. As I worked, I focused on leaving space between the pots, drawing out the negative space to give the piece a sense of airiness, as if the pots were just faintly lingering in the light. The result feels almost like a memory—something familiar yet fleeting, as though the pots are slowly fading into the background.

 

still life of pots white charcoal on black paper