Julian's work with clay revolves around a deep recognition of the social and material importance of the pot, as well as its enduring cross-cultural presence throughout history. His works often convey a quiet yet powerful seizure of space, re-contextualizing domestic and familiar forms towards large-scale sculptural vessels. Julian has also created ceramic artworks that commemorate and memorialise the body after death. His funerary ware, cinerary jars, and monumental life-size sarcophagi offer an arresting and contemporary perspective on enduring and universal themes such as life and death.
His collection of sculptural ceramic seat for the gallery marks a significant evolution in Julian Stair’s practice as he enters the realm of design. With the exception of ‘Seat 1,’ these pieces are high-fired and vitrified, a process tradi- tionally used by Scottish brickmakers for its environmental stability and resilience. The collection offers a variety of colors and textures, ranging from white to black and utilizing glazed surfaces, natural clays, and vitreous slips. Each unique, hand-built piece is an exploration of geometric form that remains rooted in utility. Ergonomically designed for comfort, the seats feature contoured, concave tops; some have handles, others remain pure, abstract forms.