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 exhibiting are: Alison Jones, Charlotte Leech, Elizabeth Murphy, Kayleigh O'Donnell, Rita Rattray, Kerry Spurry and myself Kate Webber.
I have always been creative from childhood drawings and daubed painting to complex silverware, jewellery and sewn soft furnishings. Over the last ten years I have become slowly absorbed into the world of ceramics. I studied BA Metalwork & Jewellery Design at University and after taking time to travel I worked for Oxford University's Pitt Rivers Museum for over a decade. After having a child and taking up pottery classes, I began working as an assistant to the Ceramicist Alison Jones, which I continue to do as I begin to create my own work.
I feel most content when creating a 3-D object and after the the rigidity and precision of silverware, clay has allowed me more freedom. However, I still like to be precise and perhaps over time will be a little less neat! I'm inspired by the world around me and the objects and folktales that populate it. I want to create accessible objects that people adore for their sense of whimsy, honesty, colour and textures.
I will be showing my garden bird sculptures and planters alongside a range of Christmas figures at my first Art Weeks exhibition.