I am exhibiting as part of The Clay Collective where seven dynamic Oxfordshire ceramicists have come together to form the Clay Collective at The Art Barn. Formed through our connections with the brilliant Alison Jones at the Oxfordshire Arts Studio, we illustrate how this medium can be used in a variety of different ways with sculptural, functional and decorative works. The Artists exibiting are: Alison Jones, Charlotte Leech, Elizabeth Murphy, Kayleigh O'Donnell, Rita Rattray, Kerry Spurry, Kate Webber.
My work:
Mini vases and bowls
All hand thrown on a mini wheel, this is where I play… different forms, different clays, different finishes, some are hand painted, some decorated with raised molded flowers (sprigged), some are simply glazed with a single or multiple glazes, of left as the raw clay. A sweep shop of mini vases, condiment bowls (with small spoons), and lidded ring pots. £12-£20
‘Cats sleep anywhere’ collection
Not just cats, this collections has cats, foxes, dogs, birds, and even pigs perched on the rim of various bowls, and dishes (including soap dishes). Inspired by the way cats will make themselves comfortable in the most unlikely places. £22-£40
‘The Great Pottery Throwdown’ collection
My interpritation of the various challenges set on ‘The Great Pottery Throwdown’ TV series 2024 but made at smaller scale to fit my working style. Each piece is small enough to fit on the palm of your hand and some are at dolls house scale.
Silver clay Jewellery
Precious metal clay (PMC) is a modern material that can be worked like clay but fires to more than +99% pure silver, a brilliant way to combine my love of clay and of working at a small scale. Silver pendants and earrings from tree, shrub, and herb leaves collected from my garden. £20-£45
It all started with a pottery cat. I stroked its shape from a hollow ball of clay, such fun! I love working with clay and I love making small things. In 2020 I bought my first mini potters wheel and began throwing mini vases and bowls (from dolls house up to bud vase in size, but mostly the perfect size for a single daisy). I also handbuild somewhat larger pieces, such as snack bowls and soap dishes with animals perched on the rim.
I love working with different clays and with different glazes and finishes and my mini vase's selection offer me an opportunity explore a wide range of techniques. I take my inspiration from the natural world around us. This year I have been following the TV show ‘The Great Pottery Throwdown’ and attempting to complete the various challenges on a smaller (sometimes miniature) scale. I also make a sellection of silver jewellery, which combines my love of clay (in the form of precious metal clay, PMC, which works like clay but fires to almost pure silver) with my love of working at a small scale.
I first discovered the joy of clay as a child in Saturday classes. In 2015, after a career as a scientist and becoming a mum, I started attending classes at Alison Jones' lovely studio 'Oxfordshire Arts', East Hendred, Oxon. I am now lucky enough to work at Oxfordshire Arts as a studio technician expanding my knowledge of the science and craft behind ceramics, while helping to keep the studio organized.