Staffordshire based ceramicist. Maker of slip decorated earthenware.
I make ceramics that combine hand-processes such as press-moulding, coiling and throwing with a love of illustration. The pieces are decorated using coloured slips, paper stencils, brushwork and sgraffito
“It is a joy to be hidden, and disaster not to be found.”
ABOUT
Personal Profile
In 1990 I graduated with a BA (Hons) 1st class degree in Ceramics and 3D Design from Bath College of Higher Education. Following on from college I had a short spell working for potters Geoff and Pat Fuller before establishing my own workshop with the help of a setting up grant from the Crafts Council.
I have a passion for clay; I love the creative process and have a highly personal approach and perspective; my work is ever evolving but I am mostly known for my subtle colours and figurative decoration. I now live in North Staffordshire with my partner and three children.
WORKS
PROCESS
Each piece is unique, hand-made, individually decorated and signed. I work mainly with a red earthenware clay which is decorated using coloured slips and a transparent glaze. Like the images on them the shapes are kept simple, made using hand-processes such as press-moulding, coiling, and slabbing. The figurative decoration, often described as dreamlike, is achieved using brushwork, paper stencils and sgraffito. I work intuitively, allowing everyday thoughts and pre-occupations to dictate the direction of the image created. I try to engage the viewer through humour, juxtaposing figures, and images, altering their scale to create the unexpected. There is enough ambiguity and space in each piece to allow the viewer to bring their own interpretation to the work which pleases me. In an increasingly busy world, I like to think they are a celebration of the simple.