Artists Statement

My work as a potter didn't really take shape until I discovered slipware as a form of decoration allowing me to utilise my drawing ability. It was through this that my present form of work evolved and I started to experiment with both brushwork and sgraffiato. I'm influenced by all things natural and the Arts and Crafts movement, often using stylised nature as pattern in my work. All my designs start on paper, some going to watercolour before I then test the ideas out on clay. I have always worked this way and keep all of my sketchbooks for reference.

Work generally available from:
Brewers Quay Weymouth, Dorset
During my demonstrations at Brewers Quay, these take place during school holidays.
Although my work is not currently available through any galleries I am hoping that will change this year.

Current Work

At the moment I'm working on developing my decorative designs and pieces looking at new colour combinations and brush marks. All of my work is thrown on the ,wheel and I especially love throwing plates and vases. Both of these forms lend themselves to decoration giving me more room to work on the piece. I'm also interested in the written word on ceramics and plan to expand my work in this area.

Other Information:
CLASSES: I teach both people who have worked with clay before and total beginners. All classes are tailor made to your needs and cover all aspects of clay work from the wheel to hand building I can take you through the whole process from making to firing decorating and glazing. I specialize in slip decoration but do have glazes available for you to choose from. Personal tuition - maximum class size - two people.
Please get in touch with me for details of prices, times and availability.

Technical Information

I use a very white, smooth, stoneware body fired in an electric kiln to 1240.

I have spent a lot of time developing my current slip colours but as always this testing will go on for as long as I am potting. I use a combination of both natural oxides and commercial stains keeping a natural feel to the colours. All of my slips are based on the clay body that I throw with so I don't get any problems with shrinkage etc.

Education and History

I studied A level art at school going on to do a BTEC in design at Portsmouth, from there I went on to Buckinghamshire college in Worthing taking a HND in design. It was here that I discovered clay and specialised in my 2nd year in ceramics, from here I joined the 2nd year of a Degree at Surrey Institute of Design in Farnham but leaving after one year as I was not enjoying the course.

In 2000 I started working at a small pottery in Bonchurch on the Isle of Wight and learnt to throw domestic ware.

It wasn't until 2004 that I was able to set up my studio at home, and at this time started working for Carenza Hayhoe at the Wellbeloved Gallery on Portland.

Commissions and Exhibitions

2010 Exhibition with the West country potters at Saltram house Plymouth/ June to September
2010 Retail outlet heights Hotel Portland
2010 Commissioned to design and make plates for the Heights Hotel Portland.

2009 Exhibition at Portland Museum
2009 Christmas exhibition at White stones portland
2009 Commissioned to produce a range of pottery for Portland museum

2008 Winner of the ceramics category in the Marshwood Vale 2008 Arts awards
2008 Article published in the wessex Muse magazine/ Nov issue
2008 Falmouth arts christmas exhibition/ Falmouth poly
2008 Commissioned by Portland Mayor to produce a commemorative plaque to celebrate the fifty years twinning with Louviers in France - August.
2008 Exhibition at white stones gallery/cafe on Portland 'the written word' 10th January -27th February.
2008 Commissioned by Weymouth sailing club for 60 Regatta prizes.
2008 Craft Out Let/Quay Arts Centre Isle of Wight, Newport.
2008 Mixed exhibition for Dorset Arts week with the Weymouth Arts net work/ Brewers Quay Weymouth- 24th May- 29th June.

2007 Commissioned to make commemorative plates for the Seahorse Rally 2007.
2007 Currently working on a new·commission of commemorative plates for Weymouth Sailing Regatta and the Dragons fleet race which both take place in the summer.

2006 Commissioned by Weymouth Sailing club and Weymouth Council to make and design commemorative plates as prizes for the sailing regatta.
2006 Commissioned by Weymouth Sailing club to make and design commemorative plates for the Wayfarers Championships
2006 Exhibition at Wellbeloved Gallery Portland.