Current Work

I am a potter based in Ardersier near Inverness.  I make ceramics for everyday use from my garden studio which looks out over the Moray Firth.  I work with a dark high-fired earthenware body and apply subtly coloured runny glazes then delicate hand drawn transfers are fired in to the smooth surface.  Inspiration comes from seascapes, landscapes and wildlife and from the ceramic making process. I also incorporate vintage finds in my work such as the handles of my mugs and jugs are made by rolling clay in a mold taken from an old cut glass dish.  

Work Available from: 
Please find a list of current stockists on my website at  juliasmithceramics.com/pages/where%20to%20buy.html  
My work can be purchased directly from this website:  www.juliasmithceramics.bigcartel.com 

Workshops and Courses
I do not currently run any workshops

Technical Information

I use a Potclays terracotta clay and fire in an electric kiln.  Each piece goes through 3 firings; the highest is to 1125 degree C.  I scan my drawings in to my computer and send them off to get digitally printed onto transfer paper. The company I use is www.fotoceramic.com/ 

Career Background

I studied Ceramic Design at Glasgow School of Art and graduated in 1996.  In 1995 I travelled to Toledo, Ohio, USA for a 3 month ceramics, sculpture & printmaking residency at the University of Toledo and returned there for 2 years after I graduated and worked in the ceramics department at the University.   I returned to Glasgow and joined the Glasgow Sculpture Studios where I worked on public and private commissions and community art projects for local housing associations, schools, and environmental agencies. In December 2007 I set up the Deepfired Ceramic Studio in Glasgow and worked on public and private commissions and ran workshops for school groups, local children, teenagers and adults and creative practitioners.  Whilst there I started to work on a range of pottery and began selling it online and at local markets.  I moved to the Highlands in 2010 and spend the majority of my time making and selling my pottery now. 

Employment:
2003 - 2009 The Coach House Trust, Glasgow Ceramics instructor
1999 - 2002 Oblique Partnership, Glasgow, Administrator and workshop facilitator for Public Art & Design Company

Exhibitions

Gallerytop, Derbyshire, Christmas Exhibition
Country Living Christmas Fair, SECC, Christmas Retail Show
Panik Gallery, Killearn, Summer Exhibition

Commissions

Workshop Experience and Residencies

2007 – 2010
Deepfired Ceramic Studio Ceramics courses for all
1998 - 2007
Ceramics beginners, advanced and master-classes in schools, community settings and colleges in and around Greater Glasgow, North & South Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Dunbartonshire.