Hi My name is Alison Holmans. I love making and creating in clay!
I predominantly use stoneware clays, both hand-building and wheel thrown, sometimes mixing the two techniques to produce functional and sculptural ware, that can withstand the heat of the oven and freezing temperatures outside.

I love throwing large open forms and using glazes to contrast with the textured clay body of each piece. Yet, equally I enjoy making functional pieces and meeting the challenge of repeating items to size or set. The enjoyment comes in the glazing. Using underglazes, sgraffito effects and individually painting each piece to work individually or as a set, yet all is unique.
Much of my wheel work and sculptures reflect my experiences in the UK, my homeland of New Zealand and my travels.
My pottery studio is my creative place . . . an idea may come. . . sometimes I am given a challenge - But true to myself, I make what I like. I recognise that pottery once fired is going to be here forever - It must be worthy of space, well made, being sustainable and yes aesthetic.

. . . most recently I found Porcelain Clay. It dries out quickly when worked by hand, and on the wheel it literally turns to liquid cream, yet once fired it is strong and smooth. - a delightful challenge.

In the last few years I have been having fun with local clay and using it in my Raku
firings. Heavy in iron oxide it produces a strong orange under bisque and a deep ‘Black’ under reduction. Born of fire some dazzle with a metallic finish, some glazes crackled their glaze, some produced stunning coppers and silvers. BUT . . . running out of my initial source of clay I have found new clay digs are 'varied' in their ability to cope with high kiln temperatures. But what fun, alchemy in action, as some puffed and others melted in the heat. . . Hopefully by May, my latest dig will have been more successful.

My pottery is ever changing . . . an idea may come. . . sometimes I am given a challenge . . . I love trying new skills. . . there is so much to learn because of the properties of clay. . . ancient processes. . .
Sometimes quirky all are tactile and glazes reflect their aesthetic.

I learnt from the best with an ethos of being discerning when creating. So when I teach, I work to encourage skill and technique first .
- I so enjoy passing on the skills I have developed and yet still encourage individuality in the aesthetic of the final ceramic.
Tutoring one-on-one ensures skill development as I can anticipate problems before they happen and give timely advice. It also means the student works at their own pace and has time to enjoy the process.
Tutoring is fun and sharing what I love is soooooo satisfying.
I also do one off experience sessions for up to 3 people. ( see my website)
But making is fun too and I do enjoy doing commissions.

I am open all year round - just give me a call to check I am in. 07452 956559

Welcome to the Chicken Run Studio, home and garden for Art weeks May 2025

In the quiet surroundings of my garden, in what used to be the chicken run where my chooks once kept me company, you will find my pottery studio and where most days you will find me; often with Squeakles my cat who enjoys a visit now it is clean underfoot. It is a wonderful sanctuary, for bringing my creations to life, with bird song and peace and quiet. . . My space!

I have been doing Art weeks since 2018. My work has evolved, as has my working space and garden area. I created an additional pod in 2024, to make room to store equipment; bisque ware (ready for glazing); glaze chemicals; as well as working space for rolling clay; and clean space for decorating work.
With no room for the chooks, they immigrated across the lane. (we are still friends and I pass on food scraps and receive fresh eggs in exchange).
My studio, Home and Garden will be open during art weeks. An opportunity to watch demonstrations, see how the studio works, and understand the equipment and the making process. There will be refreshments to enjoy in the garden and time to fuss over Squeakles and of course what a way to best show off my work:- in its natural setting in the garden and home.

Please note that My home and Garden is open all year round - Just give me a call and if I know you are coming, there will always be a cuppa and cake.

There is parking outside for visitors outside of artweeks, but unfortunately, no parking in the lane itself. or during artweeks itself
The village car park up Back lane is on the Eynsham Art trail and there is plenty of free parking in and around the village.