Some years ago (90's), I studied a joint honours degree at Canterbury in Education and Ceramics. I gained my BA (Ed) Cons degree and off into the classroom I went. After many years teaching in Key Stage 1 working in Dover, Margate and North Devon, we relocated to West Cornwall. I just couldn't secure a post without becoming a Head (not for me I'm afraid). So my husband bought me a small kiln off eBay....I set up a studio in Trevaunance Cove (St Agnes) and created simple pieces depicting natures beauty. I have always had a fascination with fish and I worked out a way to make casts of locally caught fish. I have been making fish for 14 years or more and create Mackerel, Sardines and Sprats which are sold individually but are often bought in "shoals". Every fish is cast from an actual fish, created with love and given identity using textures and a variety of firing techniques. You will often see me scrounging fish from the guys down at Newlyn!!! I also collect wild flowers and create tile samples of individual specimens amongst other items such as fine bowls. My favourite firing technique is using a Raku kiln, fired outside, 1000 degrees, plunged into combustable material and then cold water, its an adventure every time! Raku also gives every piece an unpredictable outcome, a unique surface, coppers and turquoise intertwine; its simply an amazing method! Here we are in 2023. I have many exciting events this year!!! St Ives Guildhall is now on Tuesday's and Wednesday's (I start back on 11th April till October), most Friday's and Saturday's you will find me in the Padstow Memorial Hall (February to December), Wadebridge Artisan Market one Monday a month (17/4, 15/5, 26/6, 25/7, 21/8, 16/10), I have Truro Cathedral events September (2nd) and November (Christmas Market 3rd & 4th), I'm meeting up with the lovely Catherine Lucktaylor for a Naked Raku refresher course in June (17th can't wait Catherine), Porthscatho event with Claire houghton Textiles in the Fisherman's Shelter August (1st and 2nd), Wadebridge Midsummer Fair in June (23rd & 24th), Portmellon Fair in July (2nd) and August (6th)
I'm hoping that my studio will be open to the public during 2024 at some point. I'm a member of Westcountry Potters Association and Cornwall Ceramics and Glass Group. I also sell face to face through The run by Sinead O'Connor and her team, see above for dates and places so far!: it's just fab to meet the people that like what I do and know where my work is going to reside! So there you have it, take a look at my journey and hope we meet up if you are ever here in Cornwall. Stay Safe, Healthy and Happy # #
