My approach to clay has always been experimental, and I am as strongly influenced by painting and design, as I am by ceramics.
While studying for my degree in Ceramics at Camberwell School of Art, this duality was reflected in my influences at the time: Peter Voulkos, Rudy Autio, Ruth Duckworth and closer to home Angus Suttie and Ewen Henderson: artists who worked fluidly and instinctively with the clay and the brush.
My work has developed over time, especially my experimentation with glazes since I started making them myself. Previously my work was generally abstract and colourful sculptures, low fired to earthenware. I am now working at a higher temperature, making quieter and more open forms.
It gives me pleasure to make clay forms which I can cover with decoration. Using the slips and glazes I have created; I print and paint onto the clay surface. It can be exciting as I layer glazes without being able to anticipate what the result will be. I love the moment when I open the kiln to reveal the subtle and voluptuous interactions on the surface of my pieces.