Artist's Statement

My work concentrates on form and texture. I make pieces that are simple yet have a softness, a freedom and a sculptural quality.

I work in porcelain, for its innate beauty and because its smoothness allows the use of subtle textures. The pieces are altered to both exploit and escape the soft cylinders and circles imposed by the wheel.

I'm often asked about sources of inspiration. When I was younger I'd say these ranged from Cycladic sculpture and Song dynasty porcelain to modern industrial artefacts. But the grappledome of the senses is complex, and I honestly cannot chart linear routes to these sources any longer. There is a clever, evasive and dismissive reply to the question 'Where do you get your ideas from?' which is, 'If I knew, I'd go there'. All artists know, if only because they've been there. But the routes can be labyrinthine and the journey a very private affair."

Current Work

Thrown porcelain, altered and textured while soft. From domestic ware to large individual pieces. Forged iron handles are added to some forms. Surface treatments are influenced by the transient, sinuous effects of sea on shore.

Work generally available from:

New website (May 2013)  - Have a look at Joanna's new website here!

Technical Information

Fired to 1280C in a 17cuft gas kiln, using a reducing atmosphere. Glazes used are celadons, ash glazes, satin white and black.

History

2006 Lorien, France
2006 3 Man Exhibition, Bevere Gallery, Worcestershire
2006 Broughton Gallery, Scotland.
2006 Orton International Cone Box Exhibition, Baker University, California
2006 ‘Table Manners’ – Crafts Council Gallery, London
2005 Galerie Handwerk, Munich
2005 ‘The Way We Live Now’ Solo Exhibition, Porcelain & Silver, New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham
2005 Ceramic Art London, Royal College of Art
2003 3+3, Kilkenny Festival, Ireland
2003 Solo Exhibition, Harlequin Gallery, London
2003 “Teapots for the 21st Century”, Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh
1997 Moved to South Wales.
1995 Set up studio in Midlands
1993 Worked in France to explore new themes
1987 Set up first studio
1986 Harrow Art College
1983 - 1984 Sir John Cass School of Art
1980 - 1983 Studied Medicine at Cambridge University

Memberships:
Fellow of the Craft Potters Association
Member of Makers Guild in Wales (2010)

Selected Exhibitions

Ceramics Publications

'20 British Potters' by Koi Isaka, published in Japan 2013
'Contemporary Ceramics', Emmanuel Cooper (2009)
'Living in Wales' Portraits of persons of significance living in Wales – David Hurn. Seren publications (2005)
'Porcelain' Jack Doherty (2002)
'Contemporary Porcelain', New Edition, Peter Lane (1996)
'Porcelain' Caroline Whyman (1994)
'The Potter's Directory of Shape and Form', Neal French (1998)
'The Buyer's Guide to Studio Ceramics', Crafts Council Publications (1999)
'Tableware from Studio and Workshop', Karen Ann Wood (1999)
'A Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Techniques', Frank and Janet Hamer. (2002) A &C Black

Permanent Collections