processes

Handbuilding has always been my preferred method of working. I use ancient techniques such as coiling and slab building. This process can be lengthy and so I will work on 2 or 3 pieces at a time. Often the most exciting part is when I sculpt and scrape the surface with various tools to create the finished form.

Slips, stains, glazes or oxides are then either brushed, rubbed or dipped onto the surface or directly wedged into the clay body. A smooth finish is achieved by burnishing the vessel with a spoon or pebble, creating an ideal surface ready for smoke firing.

Initially my vessels are low fired in my electric kiln and then either smoke fired, adding materials such as seaweed, salt and copper wire or simply glazed using oxides or underglazes. Some are left untreated to emphasise the beauty of the raw clay body. These are then high fired to a temperature of 1,280 celsius.