Artist Statement

Wildlife and the natural world, from a dragonfly, an oak Leaf, to a seahorse, or an owl fascinate and inspire me to create unique ceramic pieces reflecting the beauty and delicate detail found in nature. My favourite subjects are insects, sea life and small animals, particularly the bee, seahorse and hedgehog.

My ceramics are handmade and I specialise in hand building techniques, so each piece is different and unique. I make single items for example a dragonfly which I then incorporate onto a larger piece such as a bowl, lidded box, plaque or vase creating a visual experience of nature.

After the biscuit firing I use a combination of brush on stoneware glazes to create unique and subtle glaze effects. Lustres are used over the glazes and the piece is fired for a third time giving the glaze a special iridescence and sparkle. The mother of pearl lustre creates the iridescent sheen of a bee’s wing.

I studied ceramics at North Staffordshire University in Stoke, the heart of the potteries industry in this country, which gave me access to some of the best facilities and also the freedom to specialise in large sculptural pieces.

After graduating I taught for eight years and also exhibited my work in solo and group exhibitions which was a very creative and enjoyable period of my life.

I create my ceramics in my studio in Hayfield, set amongst the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the High Peak. This is a constant influence and inspiration to me as I endeavour to reflect the beauty of the natural world in my ceramics.