Artist's Statement

I am a ceramic artist living in the Lisbon area.
I have had no formal training but learnt originally through trial and error. Many years and many pots down the road, having sold at fairs and shops in the UK, I attended the odd workshop or three (Jack Doherty, Adele Goulty, Sandy Brown) which focused mainly on creativity and opened the doors to the enchanted world of mud, sensuality, inner peace and self expression.

My pieces are a success when they make people’s hearts smile and their hands reach out to hold them; my aim is to make beautiful things that people can use.
There is nothing like a well made pot that you repeatedly reach for and use; a good pot is like a good friend you cannot live without; they make it all worth it!

Current Work - Availability

I love food and I love making beautiful things that people can use in their daily life, especially around food. I think that hand made ceramics enhances home made food and increases the enjoyment of time around the table. To that end I am continually developing glaze recipes in the search for exciting colours and combinations that have depth and flow to use on my tableware collection. 

Work can be found at:
Corte Real Gallery, Paderne, Algarve, Portugal; www.corterealarte.com
Arte Algarve Gallery, Lagoa, Algarve, Portugal; www.artealgarve.net
La Poterie Studio, Cascais, Lisbon, Portugal; www.catherineportalceramics.com

Technical information

I work in stoneware fired in oxidation to 1250ºC with occasional lustre firings on selected pieces.

I make most of my glazes from recipes acquired and worked on over the years, always on the look out for those glazes that have a life of their own.

History and Background

1954: Born Tangiers, Morrocco, of French and English descent. Soon discovers aptitude for art and love of clay.
1974-79: At university, reconnects with clay through the pottery society and totally submerges herself in learning the trade, selling at craft fairs, markets and shops in Norfolk and London, UK.
1979-94: Suspends activities whilst traveling, finally settling in Portugal with her husband and their 3 children.
1994: Sets up ‘La Poterie’ in Cascais, and starts creating, selling and teaching. Does Yearly Studio Open Doors sale and exhibition

Exhibitions and Shows

2004 - gets invited to her first show in Portugal, at Way of Arts, Estoril.
2005 - joint show in Casa Santa Rita, Sintra, Portugal.
2007 - exhibits with her students in Les Jardins de La Poterie, Cascais, Portugal.
2008 - Shows at ‘La Dolce Vita 2’, Almancil, Algarve.
2009 - 2nd Exhibition in Les Jardins de La Poterie.
2009 - joint show in Qtª do Murraçal, Sintra.
2009 - exhibition and launch of SintrArte Group: 9 artists join forces to create a new community centre for Art in Almoçageme, Sintra. Regular exhibitions in the centre.
2009 - craft fair in Aldeia de Juzo, Cascais.
2009 - Craft fair Lisbon, Portugal.
2009 - Arte Algarve: International Art Fair, Loulé, Algarve, Portugal.
2009 - Craft fair, Sao Domingos de Rana, Portugal.

2010 - Arte Algarve: International Art Fair, Ferragudo, Algarve, Portugal.
2010 - Craft fair, Sao Domingos de Rana, Portugal
2011 - April-Dec: at Déjà Vu, Ferragudo, Algarve
2011 - June-Aug: Arte Algarve III, Lagoa, Portugal
2011 - Oct-Dec: Arte Algarve IV, Lagoa, Portugal
2011 - Nov: Open Studio Xmas sale, Cascais
2011 - Dec: St Dominic’s Craft Fair, Lisbon
2011 - Dec: IWP Arts and Crafts Fair, Lisbon

2012 - Jan: IWP introductory Workshop, Cascais, Portugal
2012 - April-Dec: Déjà Vu, Ferrragudo, Algarve ,Portugal
2012 - June-Aug: Arte Algarve V, Lagoa, Portugal
2012 - July 16-22: 49th Estoril Craft Fair, Lisbon, Portugal
2012 - July- Dec: at 329 Gallery, Almancil, Algarve, Portugal
2012 - Aug- Dec: at Corte Real Gallery, Paderne, Algarve, Portugal
2012 - Sept-Oct: Joint exhibition with Create Portugal group at Santarem library
2012 - Oct-Dec: Arte AlgarveVI
2012 - Dec8-24: Arts and Crafts Fair in Lagoa, Portugal
2012 - Dec: IWP Xmas Arts and Crafts Fair, Lisbon

2013 - Jan-Dec: Corte Real Gallery- permanent exhibition
2013 - Jan: IWP introductory Workshop, Cascais
2013 - March-June: Arte Algarve VII
2013 - June-Sept: Arte Algarve VIII
2013 - July:50th Estoril Craft Fair, Lisbon, Portugal
2013 - Sep- Dec: Arte Algarve IX
2013 - Nov: Open Studio Xmas Sale Weekend, Cascais.