Artist's Statement

I work in raku as I like the way the finished pots reflect their 'elemental' journey from mud to ceramic: I think this particular process imparts a 'sense of life' within a piece.

The transparent crackle glaze I use dresses tightly-controlled, thrown, sculpted forms in a complementary random and natural effect punctuated by paper and glue resisted areas. The pots are modified with shaped 'ribs' during throwing and often have no base so the pot can rock and roll without falling over.  I enjoy this play between the fragility of the pot and the durability of its composition. My current forms are inspired by natural seeds and nuts, ringed planets, flower bracts and mechanical aero/spacecraft engine parts. Much of my work is in 2 parts and very tactile, offering a variety of display composition which invites the observer into the sculptural process.

Current Work

Work is available to purchase direct 'from the maker', and from:
Art in the Mill, Knaresborough, N. Yorkshire. 01423 862963
'Rural Arts' ( http://www.ruralarts.org/ )
The Biscuit Factory, Newscastle, Northumberland. 0191 261 1103
The Ropewalk Gallery, Maltkiln Road, Barton on Humber, N. Lincolnshire. 01652 660380
The Old Courthouse Gallery (OCG), Ambleside, Cumbria. 01539 432022
Rheged Centre Gallery ('Talent'), Penrith, Cumbria. 01768 868000
Leeds City Art Gallery Craft & Design Centre, The Headrow, Leeds, W. Yorkshire
The Gallery at Bevere Vivis, Worcester, Herefordshire. 01905 754 484

Have a look at Eric's new You Tube video clips:

Technical Information

Electric wheel-thrown work on 30 yr old Alsager type . Electric bisque to 1000 degrees C.  Gas raku kiln (oil drum 'oyster' type, home made) for final glaze firing, by eye to 'cherry red' heat (800-900 degrees C). Simple 2 part raku glaze (clear or with added oxides/carbonates for transparent colour tints.) Post firing reduction of crackle and unglazed areas (masked with flexible tape or various glues.

Background History

Foundation in Art and Design at York College of Arts & Technology 1978/79.
BA (Hons) in 3D design (silversmithing, jewellery & ceramics): (grade 2.1) at Manchester Poly 1982.  

Design Achievements whilst at Manchester Polytechnic:  

Highly Commended in the Johnson Matthey National Design in Silver competition 1980 (Silversmithing: 'hourglass' drinking vessels design).

Jewellery design chosen to represent Manchester Polytechnic's entry into National Design in Platinum Competition 1981 (earring/necklace composite piece in hand made chain mail).  
Winner in Royal Navy commission competition to design silverware for the Captain's Table on the recommissioned HMS Manchester (Rosebowls in silver and etched glass design based upon Jodrell Bank radio telescope structure) 1981.
After graduation, went into graphic design as a career, keeping potting skills up sporadically at local college.
Finally decided to put my "toe in commercial ceramics pond" only in late 2005 after a two week course in raku firing - soon I was knee deep, now I am snorkelling and saving for a bathysphere!

Exhibition History

Previous Exhibitions: 2012
The September Show - 5 Northern Artists' at Sunny Bank Mills, Leeds. 6-22 September 2012
Potfest in the Park, Hutton on the Forest, Penrith, Cumbria, England. July 27-29
The Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate, N. Yorkshire, England. 10/11/12 July 2012
Earth & Fire, Rufford Country Park, Nottingham, England. 22-24 June 2012
The Blue Tree Gallery, York, England. 11 March - 10 June 2012
North Yorkshire Open Studios, Harrogate, N. Yorkshire, England. 9/10 and 16/17 June 2012

Previous Exhibitions: 2011
Winter exhibition, The Platform Gallery, Clitheroe (15 Oct to 24 Dec 2011)
Winter exhibition, The Saltbox Gallery, Helmsley, N Yorks (21 Oct 2011 - 7 Jan 2012)
Winter exhibition, The Craft and Design Gallery, Leeds,W Yorks (October 2011 - mid-January 2012)
NPA Show at Oldham, Lancs (19 Nov 2011 - 14 Jan 2012)
Winter exhibition, The Station Gallery Richmond, N Yorks (throughout Dec 2011)
Ceramics in the City, Geffrye Museum, London (22-25 Sept 2011)
Potfest in the Pens (5-7 Aug 2011)
Summer Exhibition at The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle upon Tyne (from June 10 - 31 Aug 2011)
Earth & Fire at Rufford, Nottinghamshire (24-26 June 2011)
Open Studios North Yorkshire (11-12 & 18/19 June 2011)
Northern Potters Assoc'n selected show at The New School House Gallery, York (21 April - 4 June 2011)
The ArtMarket, Holmfirth (Sunday 5th June 2011)

Previous Exhibitions: 2010
The ArtMarket, Holmfirth (14 Nov 2010)
The Platform Gallery, Clitheroe, Yorkshire (Aug - Oct 2010)
Arts Trail, Saltaire Festival, W. Yorks 10/11 and 18/19 Sept 2010
Art in the Pen, Skipton N. Yorks 13 - 15 Aug 2010
Potfest in the Park International Ceramics Fair, Hutton on the Forest, Cumbria, 30 Jul - 1 Aug 2010
Rufford Earth & Fire, Rufford Country Park nr Nottingham, June 2010.
North Yorkshire Open Studios Harrogate, N. Yorkshire 11-13 & 19/20 Jun 2010
Potfest Scotland International Ceramics Fair (Stirling) 29-31 May 2010.
Spring Exhibition, FieFiFoFum Gallery, Newton nr Newcastle, March - end of May 2010.
Spring Exhibition, Northern Potters Assoc, Rufford Craft Centre, March - May 2010.
Spring Exhibition, Pyramid Gallery, York March - May 2010.
Spring Exhibition, Upfront Gallery, Unthank nr Penrith, March - April 2010.
Previous Exhibitions: 2009

Christmas Exhibition, Godfrey & Watt, throughout December 2009.
Saltaire Festival, mid-September 2009.
Potfest in the Pens International Ceramics Fair, Penrith, Cumbria 7/8/9 Aug 2009.
NPA show at Gallery in the Wolds, nr Staxton, N. Yorkshire, 1 July - 1 Sept 2009.
1st 'Ceramics Open', Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, Birmingham, 29 July - 5 Sept 2009.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Applied Arts Showcase, 26 June - 31 Aug 2009.
Rufford Earth & Fire (on NPA stand), Rufford Country Park nr Nottingham, 26/7/8 June 2009.
‘Open Studios’ @ home in Harrogate N. Yorkshire, 20/21 and 26/7/8 June 2009.
Potfest in Perth, Scotland 23/24/25 May 2009.
'6 Harold Place on tour' at Harrison Lord Gallery, Brighouse W. Yorkshire, 5 April - 3 May 2009.
'Ceramics in the Round', The Dome, Buxton, Derbyshire, 25/26 April 2009
. 'Without Colour', Leeds City Art Gallery, Craft & Design Centre, 27 March – 30 June 2009.

For up to date information on shows, please visit www.ericmossceramics.co.uk