Inspired by a love of Western Celtic shorelines and seascapes I hand build ceramic vessels fired to stoneware temperature. Shapes are figurative, featuring vivid turquoise glaze that reflects the influence of the sea and landscape; tactile, washed pebble forms and recent driftwood forms with added pieces.
I begin the process with drawings of landscapes, shorelines and pebbles, then work through ideas using developmental sketches and experimentations in clay.
The pieces are fired to stoneware temperature and feature dry turquoise and blue glaze. White glazes add variation through effects created when glazes overlap. I use differently textured clays including a dark red, toasted buff and a white firing clay, all of which react in various ways altering the intensity of colour in the glaze. The application of slips, sgraffito and resist techniques add further depth to the surfaces.
More recently, work has been developed from drawings of ancient objects, tools and rock carvings found in coastal regions of Wales and Scotland. I am intrigued by the mystery surrounding these carvings and the fact that humans have always had a desire to leave their creative mark.
After graduating in 1993 from the BA (Hons) Crafts course at Crewe and Alsager College, I set up my first workshop in Chester in 1996. My work has been displayed in galleries across the UK from the Isles of Scilly to the Shetland Isles. My work is also in private collections in Europe, Australia and the USA.
I now work from my home in North Wales. I am a member of the Makers’ Guild of Wales and have regularly taken part in Helfa Gelf open studios as well as having been involved with the running of the event.
I have lectured in 3D Design within further education, delivered workshops for the Bluecoat Display Centre Outreach programme and for Ruthin Craft Centre.
