Artist's Statement

Michael Gaitskell studied history at university. He is still interested in the past and the long term view it offers, prompting the question what is it to be human in today’s world? Anthropologists and neuroscientists tell us how closely related to other great apes we are, and how much we are still influenced by genetic and ancient slowly evolving human characteristics. Yet the artificial world we have constructed around us makes us more and more into automata, dulling our senses and thrusting dehumanising pressures upon us. 

 This is the world in which Michael Gaitskell pursues one of mankind’s oldest traditions. Like many artists he stands back to reflect and express a reaction to contemporary life: his work aims to reawaken simple delight in what we see and touch directly.

Michael’s challenge as an artist potter is to use his acquired dextrous and technological skill, scientific knowledge and artistic imagination to create ceramics that are interesting, beautiful and often useful.

His ceramics are unusual, his original designs bold ,as David Leach once described them. The combination of form, design, colour and texture aspires to place in someone’s hands a prized possession which gives them a sense of presence, similar to feelings evoked by great music, fine words or a beautiful painting.

As an object so descriptive of human creativity, the pleasure of seeing and holding a beautiful handmade pot should not be underestimated. After all, what other human artefact represents the diversity of human skills that transforms the basic natural materials of our planet.

Current Work

Stoneware, wheel thrown. Some domestic, but mainly artistic pottery decorated with abstract design.

Work generally available from:
Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey, Devon.

Technical Information

Michael Gaitskell has always worked with stoneware, which combines the vitrified strength of porcelain with the earthiness of terracotta.Clays from South West England are mixed at Mill Pottery, and wheel thrown.

The designs are incised freehand after turning the pot at its leatherhard stage. After biscuit firing at 980 degrees C, the pots are glazed by a mixture of dipping where possible, then hand painting the designs. This is followed by glaze firing at 1300 degrees C in the two-chambered oil-fired kiln in a 'reduced’ atmosphere.

History

Michael Gaitskell was educated at Winchester College and studied history at Exeter University, including a course on Existentialism.

A chance encounter encouraged him to decide to become a potter. Two months learning to throw with David Winkley was the beginning of a long career of material, technical, personal, artistic and commercial discovery. Inspired by Bernard Leach’s ‘A Potter’s Book’ in one hand and a ball of clay in the other, it was a steep learning curve! With a wife and 3 children to support the pottery had to succeed. And it did!

Situated in ancient Domesday buildings surrounded by the beautiful hills of Exmoor, Michael and his wife Rosemary spent many years restoring the buildings and making the pottery successful. Michael’s interest in using natural energy led him to install a waterwheel in 1980 which is used to generate electricity and mix materials.

Emphasis was and still is on selling directly to the visitors to Mill Pottery. Being made aware of just how little is generally known about pottery, Michael has made Mill Pottery a place of unusual interest. The character and use of clays is explained: there is a display of rocks with a description of the science of glazes. Beside the kiln there is a plan of its design with a tribute to the Chinese who initiated downdraught firing technology long before the West. Such knowledge makes visiting museums , watching Time Team , let alone owning a handmade pot all the more rewarding. NOW CLOSED

Selling directly to the public creates a desirable contact between maker and buyer. Visitors can see Michael at work and discuss with him points of interest, allowing a symbiotic relationship with buyers.

Michael’s work has developed considerably from simple domestic pots in the Leach tradition, through experimental phases to his singular style of ceramics, which are in many collections.

Michael Gaitskell is a member of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen
He is ex-Chair and Hon. President of the Westcountry Potters Association