I make functional ceramics and unique one off pieces, using stoneware or porcelain. I am inspired by the thought of my pots becoming a part of someone’s daily ritual, whether that be as their favourite bowl for breakfast or first choice of mug for their morning coffee.
Experience:
After working at the Gaya Ceramic Art Centre in Bali for 6 months, and with Renton Bishopric on the Sunshine Coast in Australia, I am now living in Bristol, UK. Upon graduation from Manchester School of Art with 1st Class Hons in 2010, I undertook a 1 year Apprenticeship at North Street Potters in London before joining the collective. Here I became involved in making a range of tableware for restaurants including Coya in Mayfair and Fera at Claridges. I am now producing work for use at home and in restaurants, both hand-built and on the wheel.
Teaching:
Since graduating in 2010 I have been teaching pottery to children and adults. For 5 years I worked at Clapham Pottery in London alongside teaching teenagers in secondary schools. At the beginning of my travels in 2015, I taught in Bali for 6 months mainly focusing on wheel skills and one-to-one sessions. My classes in Bristol will be held at my studio just north of the city, and will focus on hand building, wheel work and decorative techniques. I welcome all abilities and I am happy to assist in self-directed projects.
The making process:
Each piece goes through a mindful process to achieve the final creation, beginning with the clay preparation. Through wedging the clay to removed air bubbles it becomes the perfect consistency to use. I then weigh the clay according to what I will be making and hand-mould it into balls for throwing on the potters wheel or roll it out into flat slabs for hand-building. Once the pieces are thrown or constructed they are left over-night, sometimes loosely draped in plastic sheeting, to firm up before turning or trimming to neaten the bases. A few days later, once bone dry, work is stacked inside the kiln for the bisque firing to 1000c. After 24 hours the kiln is cool enough to open and pots are decorated or dipped in my unique glazes. Once all glaze has been removed from the bases and foot rings, I sign the piece and they are carefully placed back in the kiln for their second firing to 1280c. 36 hours later, if my patience allows, the kiln is opened when down to below 100c and my creations are laid out on a table to cool. The final stage is a quick sand of the base to remove any roughness and then they are ready to use!