Penny Varley – portfolio

Contact the artist

https://www.pennyvarleyceramics.com
07486 452099
pennyvarleyceramics@hotmail.com

Artist information

In 2005 I left the civil service to follow my passion as a potter. We moved house and built the studio and my life changed for ever. It was very scary but joining arty groups and getting to know fellow artists helped the transition. My work has changed dramatically since then and I now love to experiment with new materials and colours.

To encourage other in clay I offer workshops for adults in my studio. Small numbers and the opportunity to have a go on a potters wheel have proved very popular.

I am also keen to share my story and am a regular speaker to WI’s, probus and art groups. Contact me if I can help.

I am thrilled that over the last 20 years my work has been shown and sold at the Ashmolean museum Oxford, Compton Verney, the Windsor Ceramics show, many National Trust properties as well as being held in private collections around the world.

Details of where you can find forthcoming events that I am taking part in me can be found on my website, facebook and instagram accounts. I look forward to seeing and chatting with you soon. Penny

Exhibition information

I work from my garden studio which is in view of the amazing Edge Hill escarpment, this forms the backbone to many of my creations in clay with its everchanging colours and form through the seasons.

I like to work in two types of stoneware clay. My smooth clay is delicious to throw, its creamy texture and ability to hold its shape on the potters wheel is a joy. I also use it for some of my hand-building. It’s off white colour is a great base for adding additional colour to my work.

I also use a smooth crank which is ideal for my garden work. Not only is it frost proof but once fired it has an amazing oat biscuit finish which I believe gives a lovely natural feel to the finished piece, when they sit in the garden.

I gather natural material from my garden and Edgehill to impress into the clay and in that way I can capture the season in my work.

Why not pop down to the beautiful St Michael’s church in Aynho so see what I have been up to. You will also have the opportunity to meet 8 of my fellow artists who love to share their arty passion.