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When I was at art school in the late sixties I wrote my final paper thesis on the relationship between natural forms and clay. But it is only since 1978 when I moved to Wales that I have developed ideas in my work directly related to where I live.
I live between Conwy and Llandudno and have the benefit of being near to Snowdonia and the mountains. I also live near the river estuary of Conwy and spend a great deal of time, when I have it, on Deganwy beach.
My current work is influenced by the sea, seaweed, stones with holes in, bones, driftwood, barnacles on rocks and the tidal system. Marks left in the sand, water currents, whirlpools and much ore. The work is made using flattened coils of clay which other materials are added to change the surface texture. Various sands are used to change the surface. The work is pushed, pinched causing craters and holes.
The work is bisque fired in an electric kiln to 980˚C and glaze fired in a gas kiln to 1300˚C. A barium glaze is used with various oxide washes underneath to create colour. The work has a strong tactile quality as does the natural world.
I don’t wish to imitate nature but aspire to echo the process of nature.
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