About

I was drawn to wheel-thrown pottery when I first went to Palmerston North Teacher’s College in New Zealand. The Pottery Department was led by the renowned New Zealand potter Stan Jenkins. That was over 50 years ago!

My chickens have now moved across Tanners Lane to continue their happy carefree lives … and I have a poop-free space that is peaceful and full of birdsong. Though I miss their chattering, inquisitive nature and funny walks, I don’t miss their mess!

I love my studio. It is my happy place, where I make and create. My lovely cat Squeakles, who prefers clean paws, is a frequent visitor – especially if I have visitors.

Where the chooks used to live, I now have an additional outside room for painting on my pots, and for storing the tools and materials I need. This gives me space, fit-for-purpose, and contains the mess that pottery inevitably makes.

I work predominantly with stoneware clay, as it is strong and will take the heat of the oven and the changes in temperature outside. I have been able to hone my wheel-throwing skills to produce functional ware that is both beautiful and textural with the clever use of glazes.

This year, I have been more disciplined in my approach to throwing uniform-sized pieces and to the way I use the kiln. I am also expanding the ways in which I glaze and paint my pieces. Recently, I have begun making up my own glazes from primary  chemicals, which has really added an excitement and uniqueness to my work. All this means that I can now produce more bespoke designs – and more quickly.

My creativity really comes alive with my hand-built work. Chickens, of course, continue to be an inspiration, as are other animals who take on a personality of their own as they develop and pose in the clay medium. I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring hand-built bowls made of coils, dots and textures, producing work that is both functional and aesthetic. As these take some time to produce, each develops uniquely. The glass and glaze are the final touches that bring the work to life. In addition I have enjoyed making life sized garden birds, as well as gulls, cormorants, puffins and blue-footed boobys. Having seen the birds in real life, I feel compelled to make them!

Most recently, I have enjoyed playing with porcelain clay. It is like throwing with cream – so it requires some discipline in the throw, as you control the speed and the amount of water used. I also need to thoroughly clean my wheel to ensure there is no cross contamination by other types of clays. Porcelain is translucent after firing, so decorating with only transparent glazes, or using contrast glazing with coloured glazes, is the best way to bring out this quality. I have really enjoyed making pendants and earings in porcelain, too.  

I love raku, which is exciting and magical as each firing is, remarkably, one of a kind. Raku is so instantaneous and is pure chemistry in action, as the glaze firing can be seen in front of your eyes. Using local clay makes me feel more inspired, as I have dug it up and worked hard to remove all the stones and grit. It is so exciting to see the earth beneath my feet form, from start  to finish. I have also used this clay to make bright terracotta tiles. 

I am always happy to receive commissions. Unique commissioned pieces, individualised and personalised, present new challenges and take my creativity in new directions.

This summer, I have mastered making large kiwis – partly wheel-thrown, then pulled, pinched and carved. I have also enjoyed the challenge of throwing pieces as wide as my kiln will take. This is what has challenged me to make up my own glazes, as these beautiful large objects need to be shown off with exemplary glazes. 

If you are inspired by what you see, and would be keen to visit or purchase any of my work, please get in touch. I always have work on the go or made to completion for that unique gift.