After gaining a BAHons Ceramics at Cardiff College of Art (now UWIC) in 1978, I made thrown domestic ware for more than 15 years. On returning to college for an MA in 1994/5, I became interested in more sculptural themes and now exhibit figurative work .
A main characteristic of my work is that I use fragmented forms, such as heads, busts, torsos and hands. By using only parts of the body and honing the image down to certain essential elements, I hope to focus the viewer more directly on the important areas of gesture or expression. Employing fragmented edges in the work also helps to create a feeling of life and vitality.
Each piece is individually made and unique. I use a combination of coiling, pinching and modelling techniques, building in a variety of stoneware clays including porcelain. Top firing temperature is 1260 in an electric kiln.
During a residency at the Rufford Ceramic Centre in 2003, I had time to develop new work based on animal and bird forms. I try to gain as much information as I can about each animal, with concentrated periods of drawing before working in clay. My approach is to use highly detailed modelling to bring out the individual character in each subject. Smaller pieces are made in fine quality coloured porcelain; larger pieces in a toasted stoneware clay. The details are picked out with oxide or glaze washes. Fired to 1240-60C
In 1998 I was author of 'The Potters' Question and Answer Book', published by A&C Black. Sections about my work appear in 'Working with Paper Clay and Other Additives' by Ann Lightwood (Crowood Press 2000) and 'The Human Form in Clay' by Jane Waller (Crowood Press 2001).
I have worked as a freelance model-maker for animation companies such as Aardman Animations ( eg.'Chicken Run', 'Wallace and Grommit', 'Creature Comforts' ) and made two short animation films of my own, commissioned by S4C. I also enjoy working as a part-time/visiting lecturer in schools, colleges and universities when the opportunity arises.