I make fun, functional pottery to use and enjoy around the home. I tend to use a palette of blues, greens and greys. All my pots are hand-thrown on a wheel. They are then fired to bisque to remove water and set them before glazing to either lower temperature but brighter coloured earthenware or the higher fired more muted stoneware. All the glazes are food safe and can be put in the dishwasher, though pots will last longer if treated more gently.
I am lucky to have a small studio at the end of my garden in Headington where I both make and show my work during Art Weeks. Everything I make is for using and enjoying round the home - bowls, jugs, mugs and vases. I particularly enjoy the feel of clay as my pots emerge from a lump thrown on the wheel to form something that will become a lovely and useful item.
My favourite colours are a muted palette of blues, lilacs and greens with the odd flash of shocking pink so these are the glazes I use. I am beginning to learn about and experiment with glazes, particularly how they interact with one another to give something unexpected.
I love plants and gardening and often use natural forms as inspiration for patterns and glazes. I try to throw simple uncluttered shapes that are light and are comfortable to use. Jugs should be functional and pour properly whilst vases need to support stems to display flowers to best advantage.
I am excited to be joining Bicester Art Network for ArtWeek 2022.
I started pottery when I found myself without a day-job about six years ago and it has become increasingly compulsive. I have been lucky to have good, patient teachers: Ros Collett, Jane Hanson and Graham Hudson and have been on a couple of specialist porcelain throwing courses with Sylph Baier and at Kigbeare.
I was involved with the Oxford Anagama project for a while.
Previous events and sales
April 2021 Zuleika Gallery Art from the Heart 2021 in aid of Maggie's, Oxford
April 2021 Piece added to Tim Sayer's collection
May 2020 & Dec 2020 Virtual Oxfordshire Artweeks
May 2019 Open Studio Oxfordshire Artweeks
2019 Charterville Horticultural Therapy, Cutteslowe Park
2018 Larcum's, Charlbury
2018 Broad Canvas, Oxford
May 2018 "Red" Beckley Art Week exhibition
May 2018 Open Studio Oxfordshire Artweek
March 2018 Headington Quarry Spring Fair
2017 Independent Art Market, Fusion Arts, East Oxford
May 2017 Oxford Art Week 302 All Saints Artists, Lime Walk, Headington, OX3 7AL
2017 The Old Post Office Gallery, Headington
Outlets
Charterville Horticultural Therapy, Cutteslowe Park
Etsy On-line shop https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/VivsPots
Crafter's Emporium, Oxford
I initially trained as a biologist, working in plant sciences, which means that I ask lots of questions and enjoy the technical side of ceramics. After a career in genetics, bioscience research, teaching and e-learning development I have time to learn to make pots.
I live in Oxford, UK with my husband and dogs. I'm lucky enough to have a small studio at the bottom of the garden. My pots are made to brighten a
I love working with individuals to create what they want so please do get in touch if you would like to discuss a commission.