I have always been a creative person with an interest in many art forms. I have recently developed a keen interest in pottery and ceramics following a career in illustration. Over the past few years I have really put my mind to taking part in workshops, attending demos and courses and developing my making skills via any means possible. Along the way I have naturally developed my own style – quirky, characterful pieces with the aim of making people smile. I take some inspiration from everyday life but a lot comes from my imagination. Quite often have my best ideas as I’m falling asleep!
I work from my home studio in my garden in mid Devon.
I hand build my characters from stoneware and mostly use homemade coloured slips (but occasionally under-glazes or stains) to decorate. I find my illustrative style comes through in what I make. I like to apply patterns, lettering and marks where I can. The pieces are fired once to around 970 degrees. Then I apply a black copper oxide wash and wipe this back. This highlights the grooves and marks on the pieces. They are then re-fired to a slightly higher temperature to finish. I rarely use glaze but if the item is to be used as a bud vase I will make waterproof with a ceramic sealant.
