Clay

I use a stoneware clay from St Amand en Puisaye a village close to La Borne, in France. This clay has traditionally been used to produce wood fired salt glaze pots, tiles and bricks. The combination of flame, ash deposits and salt vapour passing through the kiln fires the clay subtle shades of light grey through to dark brown. To buy clay from me go to To buy clay. Clay

 

Slips

Different colours and textures are determined at the slipping stage. Slips are applied when the pots are leather hard. Slips are a mixture of unfired clays, minerals and water, sometimes with oxides added. Most of the reds and oranges are made from mixtures of china clay and ball clays. Oxides are added to produce colours like greens and blues.

 

Making

I was a student of 'Studio Pottery' at Harrow College of Art where I learnt production throwing and gained my experience in all aspects of running a studio pottery; making a kick wheel, my own tools, mixing clay and building and firing a wood salt kiln. I use a kick wheel which determines a slow rhythmical throwing pace and an electric wheel for larger pots. Over the years my approach to potting has changed and developed. I now make pots in small series, creating the same form in various sizes and exploring the relationships between them.