Artist's Statement

My work concentrates on form and texture. I aim to make pieces that are very simple yet have softness, a freedom and a sculptural quality. The work varies in size from small, intimate domestic ware to large scale pieces.

I work in porcelain, partly because it is such a beautiful material in itself – so fine, white and translucent- and because its smoothness allows the use of very subtle textures. These I achieve by reducing the clay body to a slip which is applied to the thrown piece, and then drawn into with a variety of combs and other tools – including my fingers. Many of the pieces are then altered by stretching or impressing, to escape the inevitable circle that the wheel imposes on a thrown piece. Recently I have started working at the edges of pieces during the throwing process, which gives a soft, weathered effect.

My inspirations are many and varied: from the natural world to dance and music - and also the world of ideas and concepts. Visually there are two areas that are very important to me. One is ancient Cycladic and early Greek sculptures and the other the coastline around my home which feeds the eyes and exercises the body.

2010. New things I’m working on. I’ve just started experimenting with scaling up - 30kg of porcelain, and the finished piece is waiting firing.  In my next newsletter I hope to have news on how it survives the firings.

Current Work

Thrown porcelain, altered and textured while soft. From domestic ware to large individual pieces. Forged iron handles are added to some forms. Surface treatments are influenced by the transient, sinuous effects of sea on shore.

Work generally available from:
Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh
Royal Exchange Theatre Gallery, Manchester
Contemporary Ceramics, London
Flow Gallery, London
Craft in the Bay - The Makers Guild in Wales
Bircham Gallery, Holt, Norfolk, UK
Oakwood Gallery, Edwinstowe, Notts

Other Information:
Available for lectures and demonstrations

Technical Information

Fired to 1280C in a 17cuft gas kiln, using a reducing atmosphere. Glazes used are celadons, ash glazes, satin white and black.

History

2006 Lorien, France
2006 3 Man Exhibition, Bevere Gallery, Worcestershire
2006 Broughton Gallery, Scotland.
2006 Orton International Cone Box Exhibition, Baker University, California
2006 ‘Table Manners’ – Crafts Council Gallery, London
2005 Galerie Handwerk, Munich
2005 ‘The Way We Live Now’ Solo Exhibition, Porcelain & Silver, New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham
2005 Ceramic Art London, Royal College of Art
2003 3+3, Kilkenny Festival, Ireland
2003 Solo Exhibition, Harlequin Gallery, London
2003 “Teapots for the 21st Century”, Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh
1997 Moved to South Wales.
1995 Set up studio in Midlands
1993 Worked in France to explore new themes
1987 Set up first studio
1986 Harrow Art College
1983 - 1984 Sir John Cass School of Art
1980 - 1983 Studied Medicine at Cambridge University

Memberships:
Fellow of the Craft Potters Association
Member of Makers Guild in Wales (2010)

Selected Exhibitions

2002 ‘Handle With Care' Porcelain, at Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool
2002 ‘ Welsh Potters' On-Line Gallery, Southampton
2001 Solo Exhibition. Harlequin Gallery, London
2000 Solo Exhibition. Contemporary Ceramics, London
1999 Solo Exhibition. ‘Craft Focus.' Mission Gallery, Swansea. (Supported by Crafts council of Wales)
1997 Festival Exhibiton, St James Gallery, Bath
1996 Dining Rites. Primavera Cambridge
1995 International Porcelain. Candover Gallery, Farnham