About
I live and work in Northumberland near the small town of Allendale where I have the freedom to experiment with smoke and fire to create my ceramics sculptures of stylised fossils and prehistoric arrowheads. I have always loved wilderness and desert like landscapes with their hidden diversity. Changes made by human activities, settlement, agriculture and mining are scratched on the surface of these lands. My work reflects the contrasting surfaces and textures that I see all around me and inspiration comes from observing the constant changing landscape of the North Pennines.
My smoke fired vessels are of simple forms that reflect geology and archaeology and capture a moment when a stone or pebble has been picked up, changed by man, used and discarded to return back to the earth. Each piece is unique, hand built, formed, carved and burnished. Colours are achieved by the careful use of slips, oxides and salts during the firing process
This work of garden vessels, sculptures and totems reflect my interest in texture. I often use natural materials, slate, shale and oxides to colour the raw surface before marking and stretching the clay. This process gives the impression of erosion by the forces of time, sea, weather and man. These vessels are high fired in a wood kiln and are frost proof.
The figures do not represent specific people but their anonymity allows us to identify for ourselves familiar individuals. Built up carefully from the base, each component part is made from thin slabs marked by rolling clay onto textured cloth or clay molds. Once assembled other elements are added giving each piece a unique character
Upcoming Events & Galleries
Potfest by the Lake – Compton Verney
21 – 23 June 2024 10 am – 4.30 pm
Potfest by the Lake is a flagship event in the Potfest calendar. It is a selected event showcasing the very best in UK and international ceramics.
Compton Verney is a historic house set in 120 acres of well established and stunning “Capability” Brown parkland. Located just 15 minutes from both Stratford upon Avon and Leamington Spa and 30 minutes drive from Coventry.
My work is also on display at the following galleries
Haslam’s of Hallgate
Hexham, Northumberland NE46 1XD
Farfield Mill
Sedburgh, Cumbria LA10 5 LW
Greens & Blues Gallery
North Berwick, EH39 4HG
Iona Gallery
Iona, Isle of Mull
Dennis Kilgallon Gallery
Whitfield, Northumberland
