My creative life began with an interest in watercolours and lasted until I discovered the freedom – and restrictions – of working with clay. I was taught for several years by Paula Downing in her Perran-ar-worthal studio and it was here that I learned to hand-build sculptural pieces using a variety of clay bodies and techniques. One of my favourite and most successful forms is a life-size model of my own beautiful Vizsla.
I was fascinated by wheel-throwing; I bought a wheel, tools and porcelain and after two years of tuition from Hugh West, I took a formal apprenticeship with him which has graduated to a working partnership. I now share his studio space in Perranwell Station, with my own machinery and gas kilns, while working on my individual pieces.
Although I enjoy the rhythm of throwing tableware, my passion will always be the exploration of the lengths to which the demanding but satisfying medium of porcelain can be taken. My signature Wave Platters and cut Dancer Bowls are an exercise in patience and skilled control with techniques I have devised myself over a long period.
I make all my own glazes in colours that are true to my Cornish heritage, always mindful of the coast and sky which are so precious to me. I love the changing movements of the sea and these inform my work. My gas-fired glazes have movement and nuances of their own too. They add a delicious element of surprise to the results.
I supply galleries in Cornwall and around the country. My first exhibition was held jointly with Hugh at the Customs House Gallery in Porthleven.
Commissions taken.