I make limited edition functional pieces in stoneware and porcelain, thrown on the wheel and handbuilt. Much of my work is inspired by the coastline of the North East of England and a particular interest in protecting the coastal and marine environments.

my work

My work is both hand-built and thrown on the wheel. I enjoy the contrast between the technical demands of throwing and the expressive freedom in forming by hand. Being a practical sort of person I want my work to be functional and beautiful - however delicate the porcelain bowl, however rugged the stoneware vessel, they should feel satisfying in the hand and true to their materials. I often mix my own clays to match the work and all glazes are my own recipes. Modern mass produced ware has its place, but nothing beats the feel of a handmade piece or its connection with the maker.

beginnings

I fell in love with clay at school and much later, I took a Diploma in Fine and Applied Art with London Guildhall University. I established a studio in London, sold work and had a couple of exhibitions including one at a small gallery in St James’ but work took over for a number of years. Now I am fortunate to have my own studio with time and space to concentrate on ceramics again.

inspiration

I was brought up in North East England – with its wild rugged coastline, pristine sands and occasional gloriously hot summers. We collected shells and pebbles, small crabs and seaweed, and gathered the flotsam and jetsam which threw up on the sand. I loved it best when wild and stormy - and I hope some of that comes through in my work.

environment

Everything we do has an impact on the environment and my particular concern is the marine environment. My ‘Seagrass’ series of porcelain vessels is a small contribution to raising awareness of the critical role of our seagrass meadows in controlling climate change and improving marine biodiversity. I make a donation to Project Seagrass for every vessel sold. We have lost 92% of the seagrass meadows around the British coastline and Project Seagrass are doing sterling work to remedy this ecological disaster. You can find out more about this on their website.

Naturally I am also concerned about the impact of my practise on the environment more generally, given that we potters use energy and mined materials to produce our work. You can find out more in my environmental impact statement on this website.

exhibitions

December 2023 - ‘Oil and Clay’, Fountain Gallery, Hampton Court

December 2022 - ‘A Certain Slant of Light’, Fountain Gallery, Hampton Court

November 2022 - London Potters, Downstairs at the Department Store, Brixton

October 2022 - ‘Moving Art’ Robert Phillips Gallery, Walton

October 2022 - ‘Autumn Art’ Landmark Arts Centre, Teddington

April 2022 - ‘Postcards from the River’s Edge’ Robert Phillips Gallery, Walton

September 2021 - London Potters, Normansfield, Teddington

June 2021 - ‘Living in Colour’ Fountain Gallery, Hampton Court

May 2021 - ‘Earth & Light’ Robert Phillips Gallery, Walton