About Me
ABOUT ME
I’m driven by intuition, experimentation, and a love of risk-taking—playing with fire from my Dartmoor studio. The potter’s wheel captivates me: shaping clay is both physical and meditative, creating a dialogue between material and maker.
Living in a traditional pottery region in Japan deepened my appreciation for process, imperfection, and natural materials. Back in the UK, training with Raku potter Bruce Chivers further enriched my skills.
Saggar firing is central to my work. Pots fired with foraged plants and organic materials develop delicate smoke marks and imprints, making each piece uniquely atmospheric. I also use terra sigillata, refining Devon clays to create ultra-smooth, burnished surfaces layered over Cornish forms.
By blending traditional techniques with contemporary experimentation, I celebrate the unexpected effects of fire, clay, and nature—capturing the essence of place in every vessel.
Wild Clay Terrasigillatas
My ceramics practice begins in the landscape itself, where I carefully collect wild clays from the rich soils of Devon—gathered from riverbanks, hedgerows, and moorland. These clays, full of natural minerals and character, form the very foundation of my work.
Once collected, the clays undergo a meticulous process of cleaning, refining, and sieving to remove impurities. I then prepare terra sigillatas—ultra-fine clay slips—that are applied to the surface of my pieces to create a delicate, smooth sheen. This ancient technique enhances the natural colors and textures of the local clays, adding depth and subtle luminosity to each vessel.
The challenges presented by the wheel drive me to constantly refine my technique and explore new possibilities. Living in a traditional pottery region for many years in Japan ignited my curiosity for ceramics and inspired me to delve deeper into the medium. Upon returning to the UK, I had the privilege of training with the renowned Raku potter Bruce Chivers, which enriched my knowledge and skills significantly.
The allure of the potter's wheel and the physicality involved in throwing captivate me. The tactile experience of shaping clay on the wheel is both invigorating and fulfilling. It enables a profound connection between myself, the clay, and the creative process—a dialogue where each movement shapes the form and reveals the character of the material. This intimate relationship fuels my passion and drives my continual pursuit of mastery in the craft.
The sagger, containing ceramics carefully wrapped in natural materials gathered from Dartmoor and the Devon coast, is sealed and placed in a gas kiln for a slow firing process. During firing, the natural materials undergo a transformation, releasing colors, patterns, and textures that infuse the pottery. As these elements interact with the clay, they create surfaces that are unique and impossible to replicate. This process results in pieces that carry a deep connection to their origin, each imbued with its own distinct character and story.
