Artist's Statement

David Wright makes hand-built vessels from coils of clay. A coarse clay is used; the resulting texture an important feature of all the work. As the coils of clay are pinched and blended together they are beaten and scraped to refine the shape and form. The work is slow allowing the the clay to stiffen at various stages, the form develops, often changing as the clay may suggest. As the processes dictate each piece is highly individual and unique.

A simple ash glaze is used, often using ash left from the kiln, the natural ash deposit adds extra interest. Each firing has its own story and differs from from the previous ones depending on wood supply, weather conditions and placement of vessels within the kiln.

Current Work

Coiled vessels and bowls wood fired to stoneware

Work Generally Available from:

Work is on display and available at the studio but please phone first

Technical Information

All the work is coiled and twice fired. After bisque firing the pieces are glazed by pouring and dipping a simple ash glaze,some of the clay body is allowed to remain visible.
Most of the work is fired in my own down draft wood-fired kiln (approx. 12 cu ft) to cone 10 down for 10 to 12 hours. 

Background History

I trained as a Graphic Designer and started making pots after a beginners course at adult education evening classes over 30 years ago. In 2003 I built my own workshop and in 2007 built my own woodfired kiln altering and improving it in 2009.
I took early retirement after a career in retail design and now work full time in my workshop in rural Leicestershire

Exhibition History

2012 - 50/50 @Harley Gallery, October
2012 Keramisto, September
2012 Wirksworth festival, September
2012 Oldenburg Ceramics fair, August
2012 Potfest in the Park, July
2012 Art in Clay, Hatfield, July
2012 Earth and Fire, June
2012 Residency at Bevere Gallery, Worcester, June
2012 Winner of best stand at Fired works, Blackthorpe Barn, May

2011 Christmas Art Fair @ Harley Gallery, November
2011 NPA @ Gallery Oldham, November
2011 Art in Clay, Farnham, November
2011 Art in Clay, Hatfield, August
2011 Earth and Fire, June
2011 Clay2day at Keukenhof, May
2011 Northern Stars at the New School House Gallery, April to June

Solo Exhibition, From the Fire at the Mark Parker Gallery December 2010
Art in Clay Hatfield and Farnham 2010
Des Cendres et des Flammes (Of Ash and Flame) Exhibition at La Maison de la Poterie, Sadirac, Nr Bordeaux June 2010
Ceramic the Form and the Function December 2010
Art in Clay Farnham 2009
Harley Christmas Art Market
Art in Clay 2009
Ceramics South East 2009 (winner of the best stand award)
Potfest Perth 2009
NPA @yorkshire wolds gallery 2009
Desire @ 78 Derngate Northampton 2009
Winner of the Arts for Rutland Decorative Arts Prize at Catmose gallery Open 6 Dec 2008
Art in Clay Hatfield 2008
NPA at Fifiefofum and Hornsey’s Ripon 2008
Potfest Perth 2008
ClayArt 2008 (winner of Valentine Clays best Stand award)
Open exhibition Leicester City Gallery 2007
Potfest in the Pens 2007
Clayart 2007
CPA associate stands at ClayArt 2006, Oxford ceramics fair 2006 and Earth and Fire 2007