Clare Stephens creates vessels which have dialogue with each other, and their surroundings. Encouraging interaction visually and by touch, eludes to human values of empathy, acceptance and unity, opening up conversations and communication about important values. Interaction with others, materials and objects are mirrored by her pieces when engaging physically, spatially, emotionally, and spiritually with them. Clare uses various local wild and brick clays specific to geology and their environment, Bristol Shortwood brick clay is local to her. It’s natural beauty, enhanced by its texture and imperfections much the same as us. Brick clays are frequently overlooked, undervalued and taken for granted throughout history, mirrored by experiences of some women throughout history. She uses glazes to enhance pieces’ natural beauty and form, emphasizing the natural unglazed surfaces. Forms reflect empathy, fragility with strength, qualities abundant in women, yet frequently under-valued but also the most beautiful and lasting. Interacting with clay, mind and hands or body are in unison, responding to each other paralleling aspects within Clare’s previous midwifery career, providing wholeness to her work.