I studied ceramics for three years at Eastbourne College of Art. Since then I have worked as a potter and tutor for twenty six years. I am currently dividing my time between producing my own handmade ceramics and running pottery classes for people of all abilities at my studio in Lewes UK. I am a qualified adult education tutor.
My principle interest is in Raku Firing using a Raku kiln. I produce one off pieces using this ancient technique. The results are unpredictable and use of copper and silver wire enchance the finished piece.
I also produce a range of domestic stoneware. My inspiration for this work is the coastline of Sussex, where many summers were spent exploring the colours and textures of the coastal landscape. Rock pooling, searching for shells, fossils and stones.
My work can found in Alfriston Gallery, East Sussex and Lavernam Comtempory Art Gallery, Suffolk. Open houses during the Brighton Festival in May and Artwave August-September in Lewes and surrounding area.
Today raku has become known as a ceramic firing technique which also became the family name of a ceramic dynasty established 15 generations ago. All starting when "Chojiro" made a tea bowl in the style of "Wabicha" as championed by Sen Rikyu a leading tea master of the time. The kiln is fired to 800°c to 900°c until the glazes are matured. The work is then submerged in sawdust, which produce interesting effects, whereby the copper oxide in the glaze reverts to copper. Some of the pottery has copper and aluminium wire added to enhance the design. Note: the pottery is porous and unsuitable for food.
My inspiration for this work is the coastline of Sussex, where many summers were spent exploring the colours and textures of the coastal landscape. Rock pooling, searching for shells, fossils and stones. The white and crackle glaze range was inspired by flint which is prevalent along the coast and here in Lewes as old buiding material in local architecture. The Aquamarine range incorporates an impressions of ammonites, which was were found locally. The ammonite also has a link with Lewes, being the town where Gideon Mantell the famous fossil hunter and Palaentologist was born.
The domestic stoneware e.g. mugs, bowls and jugs etc. as mentioned above are hardwaring and suitable for use in the oven, microwave and dishwasher.
Looking for a unique piece or set of pottery.
Handmade pottery has a far more lasting appeal than mass produced items plus it hold it value far better!
So if you want a truely unique dinner service,say, then it can be made for you.
Two hour session on the Potter's Wheel. Suitable for beginners and the more experienced throwers. £40 inc. all materials
I can provide flexible courses to suit your timetable. Working on the following payment scale
All pottery courses run from 10am - 4pm daily
One hour sessions on the Potter's Wheel. Suitable for beginners and the more experienced throwers. £20
Paddock Art Studio is a lovely old building close to the historic centre of Lewes, hidden in a back lane below Lewes Castle. It is a pleasure to make pottery here with a delightful aspect overlooking the Paddocks and its charming garden.
The Paddock is run by Lewes & District Visual Arts Association (a registered charity). Its remit is to provide affordable art classes for adults. These range from drawing, painting, clay modeling, printing, mosiacs and pottery.
Paddock Art Studio is very close to the town centre (see map)
On Foot- From the High Street walk down Westgate and take the footpath on the left to Paddock Lane. Access on foot from other directions too.
By Car - Paddock Lane is accessed from Offham Road. It is very narrow but there are a few parking spaces outside the studio. There is also reasonably priced street parking within the area, for example in Bradford Road. Some car parks are marked on the map.
Public Transport- There are regular trains from London, Brighton and Eastbourne. Lewes is also on the Tunbridge Wells to Brighton Bus Route
(The background noise is the Kiln)
