Artist statement
Pottery and painting have been a hobby and passion of mine for almost two decades. I was born and grew up in the southwest of England. I am still influenced by the beautiful colours of the coast and the shapes of the architecture seen in the landscape throughout the UK. Whilst in the UK I completed a diploma in Printing and Graphics at Plymouth College of Art and Design, followed by Fine Arts at Exeter University and graduated with Honours. I moved to Ontario, Canada in 2004, where I lived on a beautiful lake surrounded by trees and where there was an abundance of wildlife to inspire me every day. While in Ontario, I worked at Amaranth Stoneware and it was a fabulous opportunity for me to increase my speed and uniformity in throwing. I also had the privilege to teach pottery classes to novices and intermediate learners. When I was not throwing, I would use the opportunity to hone my painting skills by taking classes and showing my work in exhibitions.
I relocated to Medicine Hat in August 2018 and it has been hugely inspiring. I am always influenced by what I find beautiful in my environment. I have fallen in love with the beautiful colours of the prairie sky and the dramatic diversity of the landscape, from the Rocky Mountains to the unique geological structures found in the badlands. Another inspiration has been the art community and the rich history of the clay district. My art is always autobiographical; it is a physical manifestation of my experiences and emotions. I express my concerns and aspirations, and describe my connections to the people I care about. My work always reflects my love of bright bold colour and I am truly happiest when creating.
I have spent the last year experimenting with new forms for potential products, as well as large pieces. I have been trying out different Plainsman clay bodies and have began working with high temperature atmospheric firings. It has been exciting exploring the amazing new world of cone 10 glazes. I have taken the year to play with different decorating techniques in my mid-fire work such as: layering underglazes, carving techniques including Mishima, slip trailing and multiple firings.
I relocated to Medicine Hat in August 2018 and it has been hugely inspiring. I am always influenced by what I find beautiful in my environment. I have fallen in love with the beautiful colours of the prairie sky and the dramatic diversity of the landscape, from the Rocky Mountains to the unique geological structures found in the badlands. Another inspiration has been the art community and the rich history of the clay district. My art is always autobiographical; it is a physical manifestation of my experiences and emotions. I express my concerns and aspirations, and describe my connections to the people I care about. My work always reflects my love of bright bold colour and I am truly happiest when creating.
I have spent the last year experimenting with new forms for potential products, as well as large pieces. I have been trying out different Plainsman clay bodies and have began working with high temperature atmospheric firings. It has been exciting exploring the amazing new world of cone 10 glazes. I have taken the year to play with different decorating techniques in my mid-fire work such as: layering underglazes, carving techniques including Mishima, slip trailing and multiple firings.
