Techniques
My pots are wheel thrown with a smooth buff stoneware clay; the kiln is a Cromartie electric front loader and I use a Ratcliffes heavy duty electric cone wheel. I have a variety of techniques for decoration, sgraffito, resist, oxides, brushing, dipping and pouring.Last year my pond was renovated and I have used the puddle clay to make a unique series of pots. The clay is strong, good to throw and fires to a rich brown red at stoneware temperature.
From childhood I have always been interested in the natural world. I pressed wild flowers, poked in rock pools and collected shells and minerals. I went on to get a degree in Biology and Geography, consequently all my designs have elements of landscape and natural forms, the flow of the land, rivers, the sea and sky.
I have had a Private Pilots Licence for the last 10 years and often fly over the Derbyshire landscape, with rivers and field patterns flowing below me. However I am surprised that influences from flying have not yet shown in my work. No doubt the concentration required for flying the aircraft takes up all my thoughts.