About

 

Ceramics is my second career. In a previous life I worked as an advertising strategist, whilst spending my evenings pursuing my genuine passion of clay. 

 

I’m drawn to movement and fluid forms, and to the contrast between softness and rawness. That tension - between control and letting go - runs through my work. Often pushing the clay past its comfort zone by trying to work against gravity in the firing. 

 

Working with clay is my ultimate ‘flow’ activity. And therapy. Having had a first career which was interesting, but ultimately unfulfilling - I am incredibly lucky that my work is my passion and my happy place.

 

My work explores the inner world in contrast with what we show to others: the masks we wear; the parts of ourselves we don’t fully know yet; still waters running deep.

 

My practice starts with writing. Out of this comes a strong visual impression of the direction a piece will take and a one or two-word working title. With these elements I begin to work directly with the clay.

 

I construct directly onto the kiln shelves, as breakages would be inevitable if moved once bone-dry. Slabs are shaped, joined and lastly propped thoroughly to prevent unwanted warping in the kiln. After initial firing, oxides and stains are layered up and a variety of glazes applied, to create subtle variations of tone and colour with occasional dark accents - to reflect the narratives explored through the work. 

 

I live and work in North West London with my husband and two daughters.