Current Work

I use as many locally found materials as possible. My clay is a blend of earthenwares from Devon, dug from rich seams that have been exploited by potters for centuries. My pots are made on the wheel in the traditional manner. I draw great influence and inspiration from the pottery of the medieval period and the tradition of English Country pottery that provided basic, utilitarian rustic wares to the local rural community up until the beginning of the twentieth century.

Firing the kiln with wood facilitates a synthesis between myself and the pots during every stage of their creation. Simply flicking a switch on an electric kiln does not appeal and the anticipation, despondency and surprise are all pivotal elements when unbricking the door, two days after a firing when the kiln has cooled down. The gases, flames and temperature variation within the kiln chamber ensure that each pot possesses unique characteristics. Experience governs the parameters however no two firings will ever produce the same outcome.

Technical Information

Fired to 1080c in a 64 cu ft downdraft wood kiln for 24 hours. Materials are locally found wherever possible, using clays and slips from Devon. Glazes are based upon traditional recipes used in the country potteries for centuries

History

Studied at Derbyshire College of Higher Education in the early eighties. Have worked closely with Nic Collins, Svend Bayer and Clive Bowen as key member of kiln firing teams since 1990.

Publications

An Earlier Generation: Sidney Tustin.
Studio Pottery Magazine No.8 April/May 1994

Obituary, Charles Tustin.
Studio Pottery Magazine No.22 August/September 1996

Going Modern and Being British; Devon and the Modern Movement.
A study of Bernard Leach, Sam Haile and Marianne deTrey’s contributions to the development of the ‘Elmhirst dream’ at Dartington Hall in the 1920’s
Edited by Sam Smiles. Intellect Books ISBN 1 1871516 95 1

Videos:

Since 1990 I have been filming interviews with potters and potters at work, including Sidney Tustin, Ray Finch, Clive Bowen and Nic Collins.

Some of this video work is held in the National Electronic and Video Archive of the Crafts, University of West of England.

Exhibitions

February 2006
Crafts Cabinet, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter

December 2006
Art in Crediton
Six Potters and Steel Yard Arts. Crediton Town Hall

October 2006
Baker’s Dozen
Thirteen potters including David and Margaret Frith and John Maltby
Roundhouse Gallery in Foston, Derbs

Aug 2006
Hatfield House

June 2006
100 Devon Potters
Burton Art Gallery and Museum.

July 2006
Black Dog, Birdwood House, Totnes.
Photographs by Jonathan Thompson, Paintings by Heather Cutler, Pots by Douglas Fitch

July 2006
Westcountry Potters Association Exeter Potter's Market

June 2006
Earth and Fire, Rufford Craft Centre, Newark, Notts

July 2006
100 Devon Potters
Burton art Gallery and Museum

May 2006
Clay Art Wales

May 2006
Steel Yard Art & The 6 Potters
painting, sculpture and ceramics, The Gallery, Crediton Town Hall Crediton, Devon

December 2005
Table Manners, Crafts Council, London

November 2005
Drinking Vessels
Rufford Craft Centre
October 2005
The Big Draw ‘Under the Surface‘
Clifford Fishwick Gallery, Exeter, Devon

September 2005
Take Five
The X Centre, Exeter, Devon.

July 2005 Rufford Craft Centre
Earth & Fire - Rufford

June 2005
Six Potters Summer Show
Dewsmoor art Gallery, Crediton, Devon.

Nov 2004
Six Potters
Dewsmoor Art Gallery, Crediton, Devon.

July 2004
Contemporary Craft Fair Bovey Tracey, Devon

November 2003
The Asset Register
Clifford Fishwick Gallery, Exeter.

May 2002
Those who can, do Clifford
Fishwick Gallery, Exeter.

1998
Burton Art Gallery, Bideford, 100 Devon Potters