Throughout my investigations into clay as a material, I have become increasingly aware of my environmental impact as a potter, and the way ceramic production in Britain is becoming more reliant on outsourcing to the Far East.

My concern with our depreciating connections to traditional craft skills and the natural Read More...

Throughout my investigations into clay as a material, I have become increasingly aware of my environmental impact as a potter, and the way ceramic production in Britain is becoming more reliant on outsourcing to the Far East.

My concern with our depreciating connections to traditional craft skills and the natural materials around us has inspired research into the surrounding area.

Local materials and archaeology, exploration and a deeper sense of place are key factors in my making process.

Rocks, minerals and clay are fundamental materials that make up the Earth on which we live. Geological processes have created our environment, and the wealth of materials available to us has driven our society throughout history.

The unique identity of a region can be traced back to its geology, with archaeological discovery and museum collections shedding light on the lives of past communities.

Through a keen desire to find out more about the local resources, my work has focused around the collecting and testing of various clays and rock samples, leading me to find out more about local industries and surrounding quarry sites.

I am fascinated by our rich ceramic heritage in Britain, and the way this is intrinsically linked to specific regions and sites.

Reminiscent of pottery found locally at historic kiln sites such as Potters Marston, I use traditional wheel thrown methods to create multiple miniature jar and bowl shapes as a basis for my pieces.

By incorporating local brick clay, as a slip-glaze or mixed into the stoneware body, I am able to capture the geological essence of the area, referencing this sourced location via the National Grid Referencing System, as a surface stamp or accompanying label.

By communicating our diverse craft-based heritage, and a past connection to the natural world and its resources, I hope to inspire curiosity and understanding about the potential of the earth beneath our feet.

In our modern, global economy and fast-paced lifestyle, we leave little time for reflection and personal connections, with each other and our surroundings.

By sourcing local materials, and researching cultures of the past, I seek to find a greater connection to the world around me.

ADDRESS:
32 Castell Drive, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DD
TELEPHONE:
07989624258


PROFILE:
A hardworking, friendly and self-motivated individual, passionate and environmentally responsible. Enjoys researching and learning, with the ability to focus intently on the task in hand. Works well independently and as part of a group, meeting deadlines consistently and completing projects to the best of her ability.

EDUCATION:
1999-2001 -Groby Community College, Leicester
2003-2007 -Leicester College
2004-2005 -Loughborough College
2007-2010 -De Montfort University

AWARDS:
2010 -Duncan Henderson Scholarship and Therese Taylor Memorial Award

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Various Drawing and painting commissions
2000 -Lady Jane Grey Primary School, Groby, Leicester: Two weeks working with the Year 2 teacher and class.
2004-09 -The Service Garage, Ratby, Leicester: Administration.
2006/7 -The Pottery Cottage, Loughborough: Evening Class participation
2008 -Leicester: Apprenticeship with Artist Laura Ellen Bacon and Mantle Arts – ‘Imagine a City’ community arts project
2009 -Sibford Ferris, Oxfordshire: Richard Phethean throwing course
2010 -De Montfort University: Throwing demonstration

EXHIBITIONS:
2007 -City Gallery, Leicester: ‘Open 18’
2009 -LCB Depot, Leicester:‘Array’, De Montfort University: Design Crafts Half-Way Show
2010 -Leicester Market ‘Artisan’ Festival

VOLUNTARY WORK:
2005 -Environ, Eco-house: Gardening assistant
Various -Festivals: stewarding
2008 -The City Gallery, Leicester: Various jobs
2009 -‘Art in Action’, Waterperry House, Oxfordshire: Helping Ceramicist Sasha Wardell
2009 -27a Access Artspace, Leicester: Workshop Assistant