Visitors to this exhibition will see a range of my ceramics displayed in a large, light garden room alongside the wonderful botanical drawings of Dianne Frank They can also pop next door where Jane Hainsworth, who used to exhibit with us, will be showing her colourful and stylish jewellery.
I have been making pots for some time now and am a member of the Oxfordshire Craft Guild. Dianne is a member of the Society of Botanical Artists and one of her recent drawings was awarded a certificate of botanical merit from that organisation. My ceramics workspace will be open and Dianne will be working on a new botanical drawing. Both of us are happy to share any insights we can give into what we do.
During the second week of Artweeks I will be exhibiting in Fired, an exhibition of the work of 16 Oxfordshire potters and glass makers at Muster Point venue (222 in the Guide.) I'll be demonstrating throwing large plates as one of the many demos and activities going on during this exciting exhibition.
Having spent most of my youth on the then wild coast of Northern California doing things like milking cows or mixing cement for the foundations of the house our family built, it’s not surprising that I revel in the physicality and hands-on nature of throwing pots. I make mainly functional pieces and love the idea that those pieces will become part of the daily lives of those who buy them. Stoneware clay, though more expensive to buy and to fire, is ideal for such pieces as it is very robust and is microwave, dishwasher, and oven proof.
When I make a piece, form is central. I often get inspiration from vessels I have seen on travels or in museums. At other times the form arises as a more spontaneous interaction between clay and hands. But I always like the form to shine through, so my decoration is pretty minimal and I tend to use a subdued palette.
I have been making pottery since taking early retirement from a rewarding career in teaching. Along with playing music, it is now my main avocation. I have recently taken the plunge into the world of online selling at https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TamsPots However, I have sorely missed the buzz and creative spur that comes from seeing people reacting to a piece I have made, so am really looking forward to a Artweeks.
Visitors are always welcome at my home studio at 10 Hayward Road in Oxford.