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I
was born in Sunderland in 1961. I studied Ceramics
at Preston Polytechnic where I was awarded a Distinction
from the Society of Designer Craftsmen. I then worked
in the pottery industry in Stoke on Trent, including
2 years as a designer for Coalport China (part of the
Wedgwood group).
I left in 1988 and set up my own studio in Leek, Staffordshire
where I still work.
I
work in hand thrown and slabbed porcelain which
is decorated using precious metal lustres with multiple
refirings.
My
pots are based on traditional forms. They have no specific
meaning, but draw on a many sources and cultures creating
a juxtaposition of images in a loose manner. |
I
love things which are interesting, varied, engaging and beautiful. I personally
don't respond to everything being uniform and minimal because it bores me. So,
in my work, I try to achieve layers of interest using colour, texture and form.
It is the combination of human judgement and technique which I find exciting and
challenging. All my pieces encourage the viewer to rotate them, even slightly,
so as to reveal different visual relationships.
My work is constantly evolving as I take the risks that are necessary for growth
and it is defined by the willingness to take these risks and bear the
consequences.
I
am influenced by contemporary potters but find that
my background in the ceramic industry has given me
a broader appreciation of ceramics, notably the
artware produced by Royal Doulton in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Ruskin,
Bernard Moore, Moorcroft and Pilkington’s Royal
Lancastrian also inspire me along with many French
potters such as Auguste Delaherche and Clement Massier.
I also enjoy 20th century art, particularly Kandinsky, Malevich, Mondrian,
Nicholson, Brancusi and Rodchenko.
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