Bio
“I have worked in the NHS for 20 years as an Occupational Therapist which included encouraging creativity and using art materials. I taught pottery sessions in units of people needing mental health support and found that clay, not only was therapeutic for my patients but I also loved using the medium. I chose to go to evening courses to develop my skills and continue the love of expressing myself through clay and glazing. The decision to leave and pursue a career in ceramics was daunting but inspiring as I felt I wanted to explore my own creativity after supporting others to do so.”
History
“I have been inspired by sculpture from an early age and never thought I would have my own studio or the opportunity to initiate ideas and plan out ceramic sculptures. I am passionate about the process of ceramics and the many stages that it takes to get a finished piece. Like many other art forms, working with clay and glaze means a lifetime of learning and gaining inspiration from nature, the environment and human bodies. For me clay can capture my internal world more than a painting can. I am more free to express myself shaping clay and have a certain amount of freedom, glaze dependant on feeling my way round colours, where as I feel more constrained by perfection with drawing and painting on canvas.”
Style & Technique
“I begin with a simple sketch drawing that I have by my side when I am building. Once I have built the sculpture I can smooth or carve. I either bisque fire it or use engobes and slips and marks into the surface to increase the narrative around the piece. The different textures created by slips and glazes, the etchings all add to the sculptural element of each individual piece of work. The painted piece is then bisque fired. Then it is the process of glazing, which can take one to three more firings. I find this process useful as I can take time out and do the school run, or take the dog for a walk, and do other not so creative things.”
