Nick Rees - Salt Gallery : Burford

	Nick Rees : Potter

In the event that is wood-firing, the flames are the decorator. A process where clay and wood, pot and fire fuse together. This style of firing demands control rather than chance, requiring great skill and concentration. An intimacy in the stoking is produced with experience and a skilful eye, the result being a firing which is as much "hands on" as the making of the pot. A river of flames flows over the surface of the pots, individually marking each pot with the curl of the flames's touch. Each pot is a unique piece capturing the moments of trial by fire. Even the glazed surfaces are enriched through the firing process. The heat that is produced from the flames touch and a deposit of fine ash from the consumed wood, tend to catch just one side of the pot, which in turn adds vibrance to the glaze finish. Nick Rees has worked with John Leach at Muchelney Pottery near Langport, Somerset since 1972. The continuing success of the Mulchelney classic range owes much to Nick's deft hand, critical eye and skills in managing the firing of the three-chambered, wood-fired kiln.A three chambered climbing kiln of 350cu. ft. (designed by John Leach ) is used, wood-fired to 1320 deg. C. over a period of about 34 hours. Personal glazes include: blue/black tenmoku, tessha and porcelain slip. Muchelney Pottery makes well thrown pots that are functional for daily use, aesthetically pleasing, with an individuality and freedom within a very disciplined way of making. Hopefully going beyond technique and freed by the process of learning through continued repetition. What is primarily learned at Muchelney is a "seeing eye". This is an understanding and control of shape, the fine tuning that comes from a mastering of the process: craftsmanship. It is knowing intimately the material, in all aspects of making and firing, so that hopefully its true spirit - the "truth to materials" - can be produced. It is a journey of exploration that continues now with Nick Rees' own signed pieces. The Leach tradition is still there, reinterpreted and personally explored. Many of these individual pots have subtle alteration, are segmented faceted or fluted to accentuate the form. Often gently spiralling around the pot, these alterations produce added movement and dimension to the pot's form. Nick uses both stoneware and porcelain, the inspiration is obvious but the touch is soft and refined. Nick is a fellow of the Craft Potters Association.
1949 Born on 25 May, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset. 1967-70 Creative Design Teaching course at Loughborough College of Education. 1970-72 Teaching, woodwork and technical drawing, at Cardinal Wiseman R.C. Boys' Comprehensive School, Coventry. 1972 Started apprenticeship with John Leach. 1976 Three months as pottery assistant with Brian and Julia Newman, Aller Pottery, Somerset. 1976 Returned to Muchelney Pottery as assistant to John Leach 1982 Elected full Member of Somerset Guild of Craftsmen. 1984 Study tour of Nigeria with John Leach 1990 October, first one man exhibition, Bettles Gallery. 1993 September, 'Key man celebration' - Exhibition and open weekend to commemorate 21 Years at Muchelney Pottery. 1995 Elected Professional Member of the Craft Potters Association. 1998 Elected Fellow of Craft Potters Association. 1998 First firing of new 3-chambered wood-fired kiln at Muchelney.

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