I enjoy making asymmetrical vessels which have a sense of movement and a poised balance. I see my work as being about juxtapositions and contrasts; between the narrow foot and the wide undulating rim, the smooth glazed interior and the stone-like texture of the exterior and between the sculptural and the functional.
Since graduating in 2002 it has been a preoccupation of mine to make work that has a seemingly precarious balance. There comes a point in the making when a piece is about to topple over and it is only rescued by cutting and adding coils as required to regain balance. This is the part I enjoy the most and if done correctly the result can be a pot that is quite energetic.
Current Work Availability:
Cecilia Coleman Gallery, 67 St Johns Wood High St., London NW8 7NL
Church House Designs, Church House, Broad St., Congresbury, North Somerset, BS49 5DG
Ruthin Craft Centre, Park Rd., Ruthin, Denbighshire, LL15 1BB
The Art Cafe, 42a Flowergate, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3BB
From the Kiln, Falmouth, Cornwall,
Craft Centre and Design Gallery, The Headrow, Leeds
The Biscuit Factory, Stoddart Street, Newcastle upon Tyne
Frivoli Gallery, Chiswick, London
Urbanista, Harbour Street, Whitstable, Kent
The Chatton Gallery, Chatton, Northumberland.
Vision Gallery, Blackboys, East Sussex
All work is fired in a Cromartie toploader to a temperature of 1140 with a 2 hour soak to let the colour mature. I use a stoneware clay called 'S' Material which I colour by slaking down and adding varying percentages of oxides and stains. I coil onto a pinched base, defining and refining the form once leatherhard by much scraping using a metal kidney. After a bisque firing I sand the pots using an electric sander. I use a contrasting colour glaze internally to compliment the coloured clay body.
Education:
1997-2002 University of Westminster, B.A. Hons Ceramics.
1993-1995 Kensington and Chelsea College, BTEC in Art and Design