Artist Statement
My work reflects a fascination with natural forms, I combine flowing lines and sweeping curves in the construction of my hand built pieces.
Inspiration for my marine pieces started in my early childhood. I was born on the south coast of England and my formative years were often spent on the beach splashing in the sea, collecting shells and dipping into rock pools. I’m still a compulsive beachcomber and hoard collections of pebbles, shells and other natural forms such as seed heads and fossils.
My seahorses and fish in rich tones of blue and greens evoke the underwater world, sometimes with a twist of humour. Delicate sea urchin forms complement these shapes in paler shades of white, mauve and turquoise.
I work in my studio at my Ashbourne home, using slabs of white or buff stoneware clay, which are sometimes impressed with texture from man-made or natural objects, before cutting, forming and assembling. With the larger pieces I often carve into the surface to shape and define the form. Decoration is often added with slips, oxides, resists and glazes before the final firing.
Firings are done in an electric kiln to between 1180°C and 1280°C. The high-fired pieces are ideal for being displayed outdoors as well as inside.
