Artists Statement

I make small ceramic sculptures that have both figurative and narrative elements to them. I like to explore a variety of themes and try to express that which cannot be put into words; a moment in time, fleeting memories, a conversation. I think of my ceramics as having a life of their own, of breathing or waiting; perhaps having the sense of someone wrapped in side, wriggling around, or quietly watching. Sometimes it is not until I have completed a piece that I realise what it represents, sometimes I am never quite sure.

Current Work

Shangri-La
I have recently created a series of small sculptures and wall-pieces with the theme of Shangri-La. The meaning of Shangri-La is ‘imaginary paradise on Earth’. This was the name of my Grandparents’ home where I spent a lot of time as a child.

The Sea
The sea is another prominent theme of my work. I have spent a lot of time living near the sea, visiting dockyards and boats. I love artifacts found by the sea; the flotsam and jetsam of life. I like the way things are weathered and aged by the action of the waves.
I am also interested in the parallels between real life and life on the ocean. I am fascinated by the many expressions that are used to explore that connection. We talk of being ‘a fish out of water’ or of there being ‘many more fish in the sea’, for instance.

Technical Information

I make my ceramic sculptures from slabs of stoneware clay which I mark first with a variety of tools and found artifacts. Sometimes I use pieces of lace or netting to impress patterns onto the clay surface or roll fragments of leather-hard clay into it. I then tear off sections of the clay slab twisting and joining them at random. I tend to push the sides out from the inside of the piece or even blow into it until it takes on a distinct life of its own.

I have an electric kiln and I often fire a piece of work several times using different temperatures until I am happy with the look and feel of it. I like the glaze to look as if it is ancient and weathered so I either use high temperature dry, cracked glazes that look a bit like peeling paint or low temperature glazes of subtle greens and natural oatmeals which allow the surface details to show through whilst still maintaining an aged appearance. Occasionally I add images onto the surface using ceramic decals which may reveal more about the meaning of the piece. I may also give it a smoke firing and, occasionally, add a touch of gold leaf.

Background History

I originally studied Graphic Design and worked for many years as a Graphic Designer. However, it was when I took on some work as an archaeological illustrator that I bagan to develop an interest in ancient pots and clay artifacts. I then took pottery evening classes followed by a day-release course at Elmwood Pottery in Dulwich. I went on to do a full time degree course at Camberwell College of Art between 1990 and 1993 where I was fortunate to have both Ewen Henderson and Carol McNicol as my personal tutors. Since then I have continued working with clay and I have run lots of workshops and pottery classes. I currently jointly run a weekly Art Club for children in Wimbledon.

Qualifications
Camberwell College of Arts: 1991-1994
BA Hons Degree in three- dimensional design - Ceramics.
Portsmouth College of Art and Design: 1978-1981
Southern Regional Diploma in Graphic Design.

Exhibition History

May 2008 Battersea Art Fair.
April 2006:  Rock Lobster Gallery, Cowes, Isle of Wight.
Aug 2005:  Touché Gallery, Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Nov 2004:  Gallery Charlick, London WC1.
Sept 2004:  Dulwich Craft Fair, London.
Sept 2002:  Private commission of large wall-piece to represent a wedding anniversary.
July 1999:  Sept ’02 - Several private commisions for small wall-pieces.
June 1999:  Candover Gallery, Alresford, Hampshire.
January 1999:  INDE Gallery, Carlton Mill, Nottingham.
Sept 1998:  Exhibition of ‘Faith’, Fisherton Mill, Salisbury.
March 1998:  Battersea Contemporary Art Fair, London SW11.
Oct 1997:  Wandsworth Artists Open Exhibition, London SW18.
Sept 1997:  Solo exhibition - South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire.
June 1996:  The Tabernacle Gallery, Powis Square, London W11.