I am exploring a contemporary approach to making functional vessels. Working in porcelain, I use a range of approaches in my throwing to create forms that will capture qualities of fluidity, movement and provide a sense of space.

It is through a process of energetic making and rigorous selection Read More...

I am exploring a contemporary approach to making functional vessels. Working in porcelain, I use a range of approaches in my throwing to create forms that will capture qualities of fluidity, movement and provide a sense of space.

It is through a process of energetic making and rigorous selection I have learnt to observe how the clay works and find new ways to go forward. The throwing is dynamic and cutting and assembling make the forms.

I make these works conscious of natural phenomena, dramatic landscapes and the diverse qualities of the sea. I spent five years working on private yachts travelling the globe absorbing colour, shape and diverse cultures. I have also always lived by the sea and it is where I currently have a studio. All of these inspire my work.

My interest in tableware and food is a driving force behind my inventions in creating vessels for both presentation and use for the table. A further strand of my work looks at large thrown vessels; the pieces are thrown in parts and assembled to produce larger surfaces that are animated through the throwing and glazing.

I have explored philosophical ideas about the sublime and their influence on the Romantic Movement while looking at the work of Annie Cattrell, Susan Collins, Tacita Dean and Roni Horn. All of these artists draw inspiration from the infinity of the sea, sensations of vastness, terror and concepts of time.

I am fascinated by the idea of creating an overwhelming sense of something that is so overpowering that one cannot comprehend its boundaries. This sensation can be translated into a piece by following a line, and using rhythm, balance, tension or colour.

Education

2008 – 2010 MA Ceramics and Glass Royal College of Art
2001 – 2004 BA Honours Three Dimensional Craft and Design University of Brighton
Major: Ceramics Minor: Metal
1999 – 2001 BTEC Art and Design Camberwell College

Exhibitions and Shows

2009 Angela Mellor Gallery Land and Sea Ely
Royal Birmingham Society of Arts Elements Birmingham
2008 The Royal College of Art Ceramic Art London London
Waterperry House Art in Action Oxfordshire (2009)
The Gallery @ Bevere Kiln to Table Worcester
The Makers Guild in Wales Craft in The Bay Dinning In Cardiff
2007 St Edwards School CPA Oxford Ceramic Fair Oxford
Ferrers Gallery Fired Up Leicestershire
Bovey Tracey Contemporary Craft Fair Devon (2008)
2006 Somerset House Origin London (2007)
Hatfield House Art in Clay Hatfield (2007, 08, 09)
New Ashgate Craft Show Farnham

Awards

December 2009 Charlotte Fraser Prize, Royal College of Art--
March 2007 Craft Council Development Award
April 2006 Arts Council ‘Grant for the Arts’ Award to exhibit at Origin

Stockists

Mint, 2 North Terrace, London
Bellis, 8 Kings Road, Brighton

Publications

Ceramic Review, A Potter’s Day, Issue 231, May/June 2008, pg. 79
Ceramic Review, Issue 229, January/February 2008, pg.21
Ceramic Review, Issue 226, July/August 2007, pg. 20
Craft and Design, Craftsmen Magazine, One to watch, July/August 2007, pg.15
Olive Magazine, January 2007, pg.17
Ceramic Monthly, October 2005, pg. 255
Ceramic Review, Issue 214, July/August 2005, pg. 17