Artists Statement

My work now consists of a range of ‘ hand-built ‘ clocks, vases, dishes, candelabra, candlesticks and anything ‘funky’ enough to grab my imagination.I use a great variety of colours and decorative techniques to get the effects I’m looking for.

I work in a red earthenware clay onto which is applied a white slip and a whole range of brightly coloured slips. The decorating process can take anything up to 10 hours for one clock,slips being painted on, often layer upon layer to achieve a depth of colour. More recently I have been spraying the slips which has opened up new avenues of creativity.

Recent work has tended towards more use of simple shape,in the form of tall vases and large dishes; with simple slip decoration, often without glaze. I feel that sometimes a too shiny surface can work against a simple form.

Influences derive from strong classical forms and styles in Art , Architecture and Antique furniture. Probably the strongest theme running through my work is ‘Surrealism’ and to this extent I employ devices such as distorted perspective’, ‘Trompe L’oeil’; often throwing in complete visual non-sequeters.

“His clocks have an exuberance and quirkiness that is, in every sense, both caricature and parody, throwing up themes such as the ‘Mad hatters Tea Party’......Period styles, including Gothic, Rococo, Baroque,Art Deco & Nouveau , all find their place within the whimsical nature of his work.”

Member of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen

Professional Member of CPA(Craftsman Potter Association )

Current Work

Handbuilt pieces in red earthenware, under a white slip and underglaze colours.

Work Generally Available from:
Devon Guild of Craftmen. Bovey Tracey
Cider Press Gallery. Dartington
Simon Drew Gallery. Dartmouth
Steam Gallery. Beer
Bluestone Gallery. Devizes
Red Biddy Gallery. St Albans
Terra Keramiek. Delft. Holland.

Technical Information

Red earthenware fired to 1145 C . Virtually all work is build from slabs with a mixture of extruded and modelled pieces as well. They are painted using a palette of strong colours mixed from glaze stains and a little white slip.

Background History

BA HONS Ceramic Design Loughborough Coll Art & Des.(1975-78)

Dartington pottery training Workshop (79-80)

10 months in 1980 gaining workshop experience with several potters in America.

1980-81 Started first workshop at Cheriton Bishop near Dartmoor,and with the aid of a Craft Council ‘Setting up Grant’ began to make a range of Decorative Domestic Ware in a local Stoneware clay.

1990 - A move of to Hemyock ( on the Devon Somerset border) and a new purpose-built workshop led
toacomplete change of style, clay, decoration and the beginnings of the work that I now produce; work
that I feel is unique to me and truely from the soul.

Quick synopsis for entry in CPA book ‘Potters’ :
A range of decorativeo ne off pieces comprising of clocks,candelabra,vases ,large dishes and others with
an emphasis on the quirky.Hand built in a red earthenware clay and decorated with under glaze colours
and stains over a white slip.d earthenware clay and decorated with under glaze colours and stains over a
white slip.

Exhibition History

Simon Drew Gallery - 1994
Terra Keramiek - 2000
Simon Drew Gallery - 2004
Numerous shared exhibitions

Public commission for Aldershot Arts Centre - 1999
Subject of ‘Fired Earth’ documentary for the Artsworld Channel - 2002