Clare Stephens creates vessels which have dialogue with each other, and their surroundings, encouraging interaction visually and by touch. Presence or ‘being-with’ is integral to her interaction with environment, clays, objects, and others with whom she connects. While making, Clare connects with and appreciates clays materiality, and tacit knowledge from countless generations of ceramicists. This is enhanced by her use of varied clays, slips, glazes, making and firing techniques, to express ideas and values. Combining technical, material knowledge and form is timeless, reflecting societies and cultures which themselves are constantly evolving or developing. This constant flux is also reflected in our environment, countryside and coastline. Interacting with clay, coming from our earth, illustrates constant change in our environment as well as relationships and societies. Responding, respecting, appreciating our environment, Clare feels parallels how we need to respond and value each other, and diversity of all cultures. These values parallel aspects within her previous midwifery career, explored during a Ceramics and Makers MA in 2023, which provides wholeness to her work.