Who I Am…
I am a technician and teacher at Cup Ceramics, a community studio in Hereford. Working there allows me to share my enthusiasm for clay and its processes through a range of courses, while also developing my own knowledge and creative practice.
My passion for clay began during my degree in Contemporary Design Craft, where I learned many techniques and explored the potential of this malleable material. I first encountered raku while working at Cup Ceramics, and its unpredictable results quickly made it a central part of my practice. Since then I have continued to deepen my understanding of raku and now teach others this exciting firing process.
My work is inspired by growing up in Cumbria, immersed in rural wildlife, local farms and the familiar presence of Herdwick sheep. The region’s classic landscapes have long been a subtle, lasting influence on my ceramics.
Raku
My work involves a fascinating and dynamic technique called raku. Raku involves placing the ceramic pieces in a specially designed raku kiln and subjecting them to intense heat, reaching temperatures as high as 1000°C. However, the true magic happens once the pieces are taken out of the kiln. They are placed into reduction buckets that contain various combustible materials, creating an environment of smoke and reduction. This reaction between heat, smoke, and reduction results in the beautiful crackles that are characteristic of raku ceramics.
I have embraced this captivating technique to create my unique animal sculptures, with a particular focus on sheep, highland cows, and donkeys. These creations are deeply influenced by my upbringing in Cumbria, a place known for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Now, as I bring my artwork to Hereford, I'm thrilled to display these animals and share the my Cumbrian roots with a new group of people. Each clay sculpture captures the fundamental qualities and personality of these beloved creatures, making them perfect additions to peoples lives.
