Pod Forms with Glazes from Waste

I am a ceramicist with a socially engaged practice, using clay to explore and communicate what it means to be a maker at this time of climate emergency. By investigating found and foraged materials and wood firing practices I explore ways to connect with our environment which go beyond traditional commercial ceramics business models of production and meaning. My practice continually evolves to reflect the changing nature of social and environmental awareness. 

Everything is an experiment.

 I mix wild clays and other things into stoneware clay bodies and fire in one of my 2 wood fired kilns. Using hand building methods and the quality of the rugged clay in my hands I respond to things I have seen which have stayed with me over time. Sometimes this results in useable things, sometimes they are sculptural pieces. 

Communicating the clay-ness of clay and its journey through the flame keeps me engaged with the process. 

I have built and use wood fired kilns, one of which is in a coppice the other fires on waste wood. Working towards having a practice with a very low environmental impact I avoid using pristine extracted minerals for glazes and have recently created a range of glazes made from waste stream materials otherwise destined for landfill. 

I make work in series, discovering the language of each new group through the evolution of the process and the materials. Being led by the materials and the practice rather than a planned outcome creates ongoing learning and discovery and keeps me continually curious about clay and making.

Ceramic

19x14x14cm and 21x13x13cm