Artist's Statement

The act of throwing and forming vessels through to the energy of the raku firing process is my inspiration and passion. My forms are primarily non-functional and sculpturally oriented. I aim for purity of form and hope that my work has a quiet meditative aesthetic as well as revealing the energy from the markings of fire.

Current Work

Raku-fired exhibition pieces (hand thrown vessels finished in oak). Stoneware domestic pieces.

The majority of my work is sold directly from showroom and gallery. I am pleased to give visitors demonstrations of hand thrown vessels and the Raku firing process.

I lecture at local Further Education colleges, together with Artist in Residence placements in Shropshire schools.

I deliver half day, day and residential weekend courses at Wenlock Pottery. Courses are at all levels and can be tailored to individual requirements. See also courses section under Raku.

Technical Information

- Hand built Raku furnace, gas fired to 1000deg C and finished in hardwood (mainly oak)
- Have developed original Raku glazes
- Electric truck kiln for firing all domestic stoneware up to 1230 deg C

Background History

I founded Wenlock Pottery and Craft Centre in 1979 after an Art School education and apprenticeship. I developed skills in hand throwing, turning, all aspects of glazing and firing, mould making and sculpture. My early days working with leading Shropshire ceramicists acted both as an education and an incitement for me to develop my own personal style.

Exhibition History

Easter 2008, 22nd - 27th March, Keyhole Gallery, Scellin, Isle of Skye.
Lone exhibition of reduction fired vessels.
 
7th - 14th June.  Shropshire Guild Hall, Much Wenlock.
Focus on local artists, Raku fired vessels.
 
12th - 19th July.  Church Stretton Arts, Shropshire
'Internal Forms' exhibition.  Raku fired open vessels.
Artist in Residence.  Raku demonstrations.
 
26th July - 27th July.  Berrington Hall, Leominster, Shropshire
Ceramic review.  Exhibition of Raku fired works and demonstration.
 
15th August .  Opening of recent works in gallery, Wenlock Pottery
'About Turn'
 
6th September  Dearnford Lake, Shropshire
Raku and stoneware vessels.  Wheel & Raku demonstration.
 
September - December
Artist in Residence, Wheel, Raku and hand building with A Level students.