Direction
​Ceramics reflect a turning point in my mid life, when I decided to change direction and follow my dream.
Story
A series of pivotal moments led me to pause and reflect, allowing a path to dedicate myself to become a practicing ceramicist. This led to a short course in throwing in 2021 and the end of a corporate career.
I then renovated an old stable block to create Snowdrop Studio, where I started to build my confidence to both practice ceramics and to teach.
The studio is inspired by three generations of artists set in a lovely English garden, where I enjoy and feel supported by nature and my family around me. I love how working with clay slows me down, encourages me to listen, be patient and hopeful. Each piece whether, functional, decorative or sculptural, shares a sense of belonging and calm.
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My work draws upon my personal experience of grief and how life events shape us to adapt and thrive. I highlight edges and surface design with carving and texture to represent the impact and moments of change. Pieces explore what gives something it’s essence and whether we can function in unusual ways. These are changes are then reflected and emphasised.
Process
After experimenting with many areas of ceramics and developing skills through online courses, this has led to a practice focusing on white stoneware and porcelain. This allows me to celebrate the bare stone and allow colour to contrast.
The evolution of clay intrigues me. Starting undefined and becoming discovered through time and touch. From hand making slip, carving to letting go through warping and allowing a piece to breathe is a theme of my work. With a strong emphasis on surface design, carving and texture, reflecting a first love of drawing and painting.
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Aesthetic
My work shares the power and beauty of grief, experience and hope. Muted colours express what once was bright and innocent. This can be in the pigmentation, fading or density. The pieces are often carved, with markings and lines, that share the piece's story, often told together with written poetry.
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The pieces are often carved, with markings and lines, that tell the piece's story together often with written poetry. I make many pieces in sets, often which hold and nestle within each other. This builds on the feeling of connecting and being protected rather than feeling isolated as they move forward.
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