I work predominantly with stoneware clay that will take the heat of the oven and the extreme weather outside. I love throwing large open forms and glazing that contrasts with the textured clay body . My work includes thrown bowls with expressive lips; an animal on the side; jugs with ‘Hand’-les; platters of whole imprinted leaves with decorative coils or even a mouse or snail. Animals and birds, both true to life and sometimes, quirky, have featured in my thrown and hand-built work. Larger animals or birds come alive, with a flick of an ear or tilt of a head.
I also make Raku. I love the organic nature of this pottery firing method, that is so instantaneous, it is pure chemistry in action with the fluxing glaze and the reduction of Oxygen. I am influenced by the native New Zealand bush and the wildlands of England.
I have discovered a seam of ‘Roman Clay’ nearby. Dug from the Earth, it echoes the past, as I clean it and mould it into shape with my hands as people would have done 2000 years ago . Full of iron oxide it first turns orange in fire and then under reduction a deep black. I have discovered it is stable to stoneware temperatures and produces a deep crimson clay - something our forebears may not have achieved with their crude kilns and fire pits.
I am never happier than when I am in my studio making and creating. Come and see for yourself and have a taste of the fun.