Artists Statement

Much of my work focuses on surface decoration, collage and juxtaposition.   I am fascinated by the sense of repair and assemblage, which has become a driving force to inform my method and construction of making.  The vessel form is a starting point for exploration of shape and I like to be able to weave the surface pattern in, around, out and through – to explore the space and composition much like a painting.
In the process of exaggerating or understating the scale of handles, lips and spouts; the traditional tableware function is removed resulting in pieces which are playful, rich in movement, energy and aesthetic value.
References are diverse and include dressmaking patterns and text, medieval puzzle jugs, maps, boats, clouds and the landscape.   The latter has been a more prominent influence for recent works.  I find that drawing and painting is integral to the development of this surface treatment, and these studies often inform colours and textures used in the ceramic pieces.
 
My work is handbuilt using predominantly a white earthenware body.  Layers of surface decoration are built up in stages, using slip, underglaze, oxide, glaze, and occasionally transfer and lustre.  Glaze is used to enhance the surface colours, adding another level of tone and therefore an all-over coverage is not always used.  Pieces often go through multiple firings and as each is individual, the process of building up the surface varies accordingly.

Current Work

Work Generally Available from:
The Craft Centre and Design Gallery, Leeds, LS1 3AB, www.craftcentreleeds.co.uk
Bluemoon Gallery, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2PT, www.bluemoongallery.co.uk
Craft in the Bay, Cardiff Bay, CF10 4QH, www.makersguildinwales.org.uk
Guild Gallery, Painswick, Gloucester, GL6 6QQ. www.guildcrafts.org.uk
Bevere Gallery, Bevere Lane, Worcester, WR3 7RQ
Sara Preisler Gallery, Birmingham, B9 4AA, www.sarapreislergallery.co.uk

Technical Information

Handbuilt individual pieces. Often use a white earthenware clay body which is then high fired.  Layers of pattern and decoration are added at various stages through the use of decorating slips, oxides, glaze, and sometimes enamel transfer and lustres.  Pieces go through up to 5 firings in order to achieve the desired result, with temperatures ranging from 1140 down to 700 deg C

Background History

Education:
June 2005  BA (Hons) 3D Design: Ceramics
Bath Spa University First Class Honours 

Awards:
2012 - Craft & Design Selected Silver Award 2012: ceramic category
2005 - 2006 - Bryant Fedden Award, Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen
June 2005 - Minerva Prize, Bath Spa University

Exhibitions

2011: Handmade in Britain, Assembly Rooms, Bath
2011: GGC Summer Show, Painswick, Glos
2010: Summer Show, The Gallery Upstairs, Henley in Arden
2010: Royal Academy Artist Exhibition, Wet Paint Gallery, Cirencester
2010: GGC summer show, Painswick, Glos
2010: Made by Hand, Tredegar House, Newport, S.Wales