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 these important values.

Presence or ‘being-with’ created between objects or us, enables meaningful interaction. These ideas underpin her making, are timeless, facilitating global values of acceptance, dialogue, collaboration, as well as potential well-being, and an openness to communication, recognizing everyone’s humanity. Clare connects with, appreciates and connects to clay’s materiality, acknowledges tacit knowledge from countless generations of ceramicists and potters; this is enhanced using varied clays, making and firing techniques.

Interacting with clay, mind and hands or body are in unison, responding, in constant flux, paralleling aspects within Clare’s previous midwifery career, explored during a ceramics MA in 2023, providing wholeness to her work.

Wood fired Jug. Fired at Mid Wales Girel 3e eco wood fired kiln in an all women firing. Internally an ash glaze with local wood and clay used. Externally complimentary glazes, leaving bare clay to show the beauty of the clay and wood firing process.

 Ceramic

20x24x16cm