About Me
My passion for ceramics started when I was at school, but my making was put on hold while I studied geology at university. After working for a few years in museums and tourism I decided to change direction and studied ceramics before taking a teaching course.
After teaching ceramics for many years, I set up Hands On Clay, a workshop business, before co-founding Fire and Flux studio and gallery in Norwich. A few years ago I decided to leave the business to establish my own studio in Norwich, which allows me to focus exclusively on producing my own pottery.
About my work
My journey in ceramics has been shaped by my interest in low-temperature firing techniques, including smoke, pit, raku, and other primitive firing methods. Inspiration emanates from my interests in geology, archaeology and the natural world.
Much of my work is thrown on the wheel, but is often altered or carved to produce contrasting surface textures. The work is first bisque fired in an electric kiln before glazing.
Most of my current work is raku fired in a gas kiln outside. It is reduced for a short period in the kiln by covering the vent to reduced the supply of oxygen. It is then taken out when it is still hot and given a final reduction in a bin with newspaper, to produce the distinctive metallic lustre and crackle glazes of raku pottery.
I am currently trying to transfers some of my raku designs into high fired stoneware. These will be more durable and watertight and suitable for holding flowers. I’m planning to produce a range of bowls and vases for displaying flowers.
For the past few years I have also been involved with the Rendlesham Revealed project in Suffolk, helping to build an Anglo Saxon kiln and trying to recreate Anglo Saxon Ipswich ware. These are handbuilt pots made using local clays and some have stamped decoration, all very different from my regular raku work. I have thoroughly enjoyed this work and I’m considering using some of the techniques I have learned, particularly the stamped decoration on some of my raku pieces.