Artist's Statement

Since graduating in 2000 from Manchester Metropolitan University with a BA (Hons) in 3D Design I have worked in two well-established potteries in South West Scotland. I set up my own workshop at Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries in 2003 and have recently relocated to rural Galloway where I am developing exciting new designs in my range of hand thrown and slip decorated domestic tableware.

My work is predominantly thrown on the wheel using red earthenware clay. I use two ancient techniques of decoration on my work - slip trailing and sgraffito. I make functional pots because I enjoy seeing my work being used and enjoyed, all my pieces are created to be useful and at the same time beautiful to look at and to use. I am fascinated and thrilled by constantly developing the skills and techniques of my craft. I am particularly focused on making pots that are of a very high quality and that perform their jobs to a very high standard. Pottery has the potential to outlast and survive many generations and I believe that as it has this ability it is my duty to use every bit of care and skill that I have available to me when I create something from clay.

My range includes mugs and jugs, plates and bowls, casserole dishes and teapots and so on and I am constantly expanding this. The decoration is based on natural patterns and textures as well as on traditional folk arts from around the world, from pottery, textiles and metal work. I take inspiration from the vegetation around me and my love of the outdoors. Inspiration can come from anywhere and I am always on the look out for new ideas. I also love to create commemorative pieces for special occasions. I make loving cups and plates to commemorate weddings, two handled mugs for births and Christenings, plates and bowls for prizes and mementos.

Current Work

Thrown and individually decorated functional tableware. I make pots to be used and enjoyed at home.

Work generally available from:
Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries, Scotland
Dumfries House,  Cumnock, Ayrshire (www.dumfries-house.org.uk)
Blackwell House, Cumbria (From 25-10-2010)
Abbott Hall, Kendal Museum of Lakeland Life. Kendal, Cumbria (www.visitcumbria.com/sl/kendal-museum-of-lakeland-life)
SeekandAdore.com
online from the Craft Potters Association shop (www.cpaceramics.co.uk)
or at Made by Hand online www.madebyhandonline.com

Membership:
Professional member of the Craft Potters Association, 2009.

Awards
2009, 2010. Silver Selected Award for ceramics from the Craf&Design Magazine

Technical Information

Pots are thrown in red earthenware, decorated with coloured slips and glazed with a rich honey glaze. I fire in an electric kiln to 1080ºC.

History

Education
1997-2000 - Manchester Metropolitan University, BA (Hons) in Three Dimensional Design
1996-1997 - Manchester Metropolitan University, B.T.E.C. Diploma in Foundation Studies Art and Design
1989-1996 - Canon Slade School and College, Bolton, ten G.C.S.E.s and three A-levels

Teaching and Work Experiences
March 2006 - Speaker for Young Enterprise Scotland, Wigtownshire.
January 2005 onwards - Sessional Arts and Crafts Co-ordinator for Turning Point Scotland.
Winter 2003 to Spring 2005 - Series of workshops for Career Scotland's Make It In Scotland Road Shows, across Dumfries and Galloway
November 2003/4 - Weekend of pottery workshops for all ages at Kirroughtree Forestry Commission Visitor Centre
Autumn 2002 onwards - Teaching adult education pottery classes across Galloway
2002 onwards - Pottery workshops for children and adults at Gracefield Arts Centre
October 2001 to May 2003 - Apprentice Potter to Jason Shackleton, Laurieston House Pottery, Wallaceton
April to August 2001 Artist in Residence at Rivington and Blackrod High School
Winter 2000 - Bolton Community Arts lantern making project with Breightmet residents and artist Wendy Meanly
June 2000 to October 2000 - Sales assistant for the Royal Exchange Craft Shop, Manchester
July 1996 to October 2000 - Sales Advisor for YHA Adventure Shops
Summer 1995 - National Trust, Dartmoor

Other Experiences
October 2005 - Attendance on Introduction to Disability Awareness course
September 2004 - Runner-up of P.S.Y.B.T. / Royal Bank of Scotlan business award
July 2004 - Arts and crafts organiser for the Blair Atholl International Scout Jamborette
March 2004 - Modern Apprenticeship in Business Start Up and Management
February 2004 - Commissioned to make chalices for Christfest 2004
December 2003 - Commissioned by Whithorn Museum for reproduction pottery
February 2003 - Accepted by P.S.Y.B.T. for business start up grant and started The Barm Pottery
Autumn 2002 to present - Assistant Area Commissioner for Explorer Scouts
Commission to make commemorative plate for the Chief Scout's visit to Galloway
December 2001 - Training grant received from S.A.C. to fund apprenticeship
March 2001 - Bury schools ceramics project, shadowing artist India Campbell
March 2000 - Wood firing with Michael and Vicky Eden
December 1999 - Participated in Rufford anagama event
July 1999 - International Potters Festival, Aberystwyth, student helper
1999 - Presented with the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
1996 to present - Cub Scout Leader involved with children aged eight to ten and a half

Selected Exhibitions

2007, May. ClayArt. Potters market in Denbigh, North Wales
2007, May. Spring Fling. Dumfries and Galloway's open studio event.
2007, June. Earth and Fire. Rufford Ceramics Centre, Nottingham.
2006, 23 March - 1 April - Castle Douglas Art Gallery, exhibition with textile artist Linda Woodfield.
2006 March - May Joint exhibition, The Coach and House, Pittenweem.
2006 February - March - 'Going Potty' exhibition, Royal Exchange Craft Shop, Manchester.
2006, February - March - Valentine's show, The Whitehouse Gallery, Kirkcudbright.
2005, November - December - Christmas exhibition, Crawford Arts Centre, St.Andrews.
2005, November - December - Christmas exhibition, Just Art, Fochabers.
2005, November - December - Christmas exhibition, Gallery Top, Matlock.
2005, September - October - Joint exhibition, The Green Gallery, Perthshire.
2005, August - September - Joint exhibition, Just Art, Fochabers.
2005, August - Joint exhibition, The Coach and House Gallery, Pittenweem.
2005, August - Potfest in the Pens, Penrith.
2005, May 28 - 30 Participating in Dumfries and Galloway's 'Spring Fling' open studios event.
2005, March - April 'New Domestic' exhibition, Gallerytop, Matlock.
2005, March - May Joint exhibition, The Bonhoga Gallery, Shetland.
2005, January - Joint Exhibition at Crawford Arts Centre, St Andrews
2005, January - Top Drawer Trade Show, London
2004, November to December - Christmas Exhibition at the Brewery Arts Centre, Cirencester
2004, November to December - Christmas Exhibition at the Custom House, Kirkcudbridge
2004, Novemember - Christmas Craft Market at The Brewery Arts, Kendal
2004, August - Potfest in the Pens
2004, August - ARTBIZ 2004 P.S.Y.B.T. Initiative in Galloway
2004, June to July - Exhibition at the Green House Gallery, Springholm, Dumfries
2004, May to June - Spring Fling Exhibition, Stranraer and Dumfries
2004, May - Potfest in Perth, Scotland
2004, February to March - Selected Exhibition at the Studio Gallery, Inverness
2003, October to November - SPA Exhibition at the Studio Gallery, Inverness
2003, August - Potfest in the Pens at Penrith
2003, June - Exhibited at the Royal Highland Show with P.S.Y.B.T
2002, August to September - Featured in the "Women of the Gael" exhibition at The Steading Gallery
2002, February to March - Young Blood Exhibition at Gacefield Arts Centre
2000, December - Exhibition at the Portico Gallery, Manchester
2000, August - New Designers, London
2000, July - Represented Manchester Metropolitan University at Earth and Fire VI, Rufford