Current Work

I now have several collectible series that I have become known for – such as:
- the Tilted Series - teapots, jugs and mugs with a definite relaxed lean
- the Animated Series - round bodied teapots and sugars with tubular “feet”
and most recently, a current favourite among my regular clients,
- the Punk Series - mugs, sugars, teapots and casseroles with chain link shaped handles and lids and a body covered in spikes.

Work Generally Avaliable from:
Bermuda Clayworks

Technical Information

I use a variety of metallic oxides to add colour, primarily in teal and blue, which accentuate the effects of the salt glazing. The simple colours and salt glaze orange peel texture complement the detailed shapes.

I fire onsite in my custom built downdraft salt glaze kiln.  The kiln is fired completely on recycled waste vegetable oil (WVO) that is collected from surrounding restaurants. My online technical information on the kiln’s structure and the burners and fuel system that I designed has been a helpful source to others seeking to use this environmental method of firing. (see Article in ceramic Review, July/August 2010 also)

Background History

I had an early start in ceramics at the age of 15 at Crich Pottery in Derbyshire, UK.  By age 17 I worked as a full time thrower for Chatsworth Ceramics and a year later was offered a position at Dartington Pottery in Devon.  At Dartington I was introduced to kiln building and wood and salt firing and had the opportunity to work with several international artists – a real source of inspiration.

In 1993 I moved to Bermuda to work as a production thrower for Island Pottery.  Shortly after, I started Bermuda Ceramics in Somerset which subsequently expanded and moved to its current location at the Royal Naval Dockyard under the name Bermuda Clayworks.  

I decided to sell my interest in the business but remained onsite and established a new studio - Jon Faulkner Pottery – which allowed me to depart from the previous work of production tableware which was my focus as Bermuda Clayworks and return to employing the skills and creativity of studio pottery.  I started with Raku and then settled on salt glazed ceramics.  

I throw, alter and hand-build all of my pottery in stoneware and porcelain.  I enjoy creating unusual yet functional designs and am constantly developing new series of conversational pieces.

My work has been influenced by renowned British potters Walter Keeler and Jane Hamlyn.  I draw my inspirations from everyday objects such as pipes, kettles and watering cans as well as traditional fine dining dishes such as silver gravy boats and historical ornate serving dishes.

I am a member of StudioPottery.co.uk and have had my work articled in publications such as Clay Times and most recently in Ceramic Review featuring the environmental salt glaze kiln.

Publications

2010 - July/August Ceramic review 'Firing with waste vegetable oil'