Artist's Statement

I work with copper matt fumed Raku, this is an erratic and unique technique which is notoriously difficult to master! However this is also part of its’ elusive charm and ensures that each pot is a unique work.
My own work is sculptural in form and has architectural and sculptural qualities. Ideas originate through drawing, and initially I was inpired by the work of Richard Serra, and painters such as Juan Gris, and William Scott.

The forms developed from the Jug shape which was my take on the still life- and became a sort of totemic or non functional form. (some might say pointless!)

At University I was introduced to copper matt fuming in the John Wheeldon style. This lent the work a painterly and atmospheric quality. I have adapted the process to use on larger forms, and whilst still frustratingly unpredictable -it has become a source of endless experimentation, rather like searching for the lost chord or panning for gold!

Current Work and availability

Raku glaze and copper matt fumed stoneware. Sculptural slab built forms and thrown work.

Current work available from:
- Buckenham Galleries, Southwold
- Church St Gallery, Saffron Walden
- Newfield Galleries, Newark
- Coombe Gallery, Dartmouth
- Taplin Gallery, Woodbridge
- Estuary Gallery, Leigh

Other Information
Firing demos also small group or 1-2-1 tuition, informal and friendly tuition

Handmade Britain Book - see Shaun's pages

See Shaun's BLOG

Technical Information

Electric kiln 1060 degree bisque

Raku propane gas fired fibre kiln-approx 1000 o c raku firing and reduction in wood shavings

Copper matt slip, based on John Wheeldon formula
High Alkaline copper glazes and commercial brush on glazes

History

I graduated from Middlesex University in 1998 and sold my graduate work to Selfridges and co. Since then I have exhibited in a number of prestigious galleries across the country.

In 2008 I exhibited at Atelier sur Cour in Rueil Malmaison, Paris. 

Exhibitions and Shows

1998 - New Designers, Business Design Centre; Art in Clay-Hatfield House; Setting Out, The CPA Shop, London
1999 - The Red Gallery, Southsea; Recent Graduates, New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham
2000 - Essex Artists in Action, Cressing Temple Barns

2001 - Les Livres Gallery, Colchester; Pam Shomberg Gallery, Colchester; Ned Heywood Studio Gallery, Chepstow
2002 - The Taplin Gallery, Woodbridge, Beecroft Art Gallery, Christmas Exhibtion, Westcliff, Frann Studio Gallery, Leigh on sea
2003 - Riverslade Arts, Saffron Walden; C21 Gallery, Mundesley; Inkpen Downie Architects, Studio Gallery, Colchester

2004 - The Church Street Gallery, Saffron Walden; The Withindale Gallery, Long Melford
2005 - Buckenham Galleries, Southwold
2006 - The Artshed, Ware; Artists Harbour, Portsmouth; Wildwood Gallery, Bury St Edmunds

2007 - Chelmsford Public Library Gallery; The Harold Group Exhibition, Gallery Lop Lop, Poole
2008 - Cambridge Contemporary Gallery; Whittlesford, Divine Gallery; Atelier sur Cour, Paris; Southport, East and West Culture and Arts Exhibition-The Lennox Gallery, London and Osaka, Japan
2009 - Cristus Gallery, Sandgate,Kent; Gallery Karine D’arhlac, Region de Fayence, France

Magazine Articles, Books

June 2009. Essex Life magazine
500 Raku, published by Lark books, 2011 - page 168.