Crimson Tower

About Crimson Tower

This ceramic vase in a contemporary shape is crimson in color.
The award-winning ceramic artwork of Paula Murray has graced both private and public venues around the world. The Canadian artist’s hand-formed porcelain vessels—this one in a soft crimson color are distinguished by their organic shape and detailed fine craquelure. From her lakeside studio in Quebec, Murray uses her own recipe for clay and a variety of techniques—multiple firings, infilling, sandblasting, and burnishing to add this exquisite detail.

“Sometimes it is through being cracked open that we are put back together with more interest, depth, and character. I induce movement in my cast porcelain forms through the juxtaposition of clay and surface-veil fiberglass. I am manipulating and responding to the work as the stress twists and cracks my forms as they dry.” Paula Murray

Paula Murray was born in Ottawa and studied science at the University of Ottawa and ceramics at Sheridan College. Elected to the International Academy of Ceramics (2017) and the Royal Canadian Academy of the Arts (2006) she has based her full-time studio practice from Meech Lake, in Gatineau Park since 1980.

Exhibiting in prestigious exhibitions in Canada, Italy, China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Portugal, Romania, and the USA, she has received several awards and creation grants.

In 2021, Paula Murray was awarded one of the highest honours granted by the Quebec government in recognition of an exceptional career in the arts—the Prix d’excellence from le Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec.
Public collections include the World Korean Ceramic Foundation Museum, Yingge Ceramic Museum, Taiwan, Museum of Ceramics, Faenza Italy, Canada House, London, UK, and in Canada the Gardiner Museum, Museum of History, and Art Bank.