Before officially entering the world of ceramics by studying at Clay College in Middleport, I struggled to find a career that could keep my interest. I studied Japanese and philosophy at university, followed by law and after finishing my studies I worked in law, then finance and then advertising, trying hard to find an industry I wanted to build a career in. All the while I would go a pottery co-operative in the evenings, which was set up in a disused biscuit factory in Bermondsey.
After several years, the biscuit factory was sold to developers and the community dispersed. It was then I decided to take the plunge and build up a collection of second hand pottery tools, equipment and chemicals, before finally renting a small garage space to work in. I would rush home from work every evening to spend hours in my workshop, learning, experimenting and playing.
It was during this time that I came to the realisation that working with the earth, fire and raw materials is something I wanted to dedicate my life to rather than just my evenings. I spent nearly a year looking and applying for apprenticeship opportunities before eventually being fortunate enough to secure a place in the first cohort to attend Clay College.
Since graduating, it's been a rollercoaster, working with TV and film companies, both a consultant and as a maker, as well as exhibiting at several shows. I'm now working as the tutor in UCA's ceramics department, which has allowed me to explore some of my ideas and become energised by the enthusiasm and creativity of the students during a very difficult time.
For me, ceramics is about expressing myself and creating pieces that reflect my inner world, my journey and the qualities of the materials.
After several years, the biscuit factory was sold to developers and the community dispersed. It was then I decided to take the plunge and build up a collection of second hand pottery tools, equipment and chemicals, before finally renting a small garage space to work in. I would rush home from work every evening to spend hours in my workshop, learning, experimenting and playing.
It was during this time that I came to the realisation that working with the earth, fire and raw materials is something I wanted to dedicate my life to rather than just my evenings. I spent nearly a year looking and applying for apprenticeship opportunities before eventually being fortunate enough to secure a place in the first cohort to attend Clay College.
Since graduating, it's been a rollercoaster, working with TV and film companies, both a consultant and as a maker, as well as exhibiting at several shows. I'm now working as the tutor in UCA's ceramics department, which has allowed me to explore some of my ideas and become energised by the enthusiasm and creativity of the students during a very difficult time.
For me, ceramics is about expressing myself and creating pieces that reflect my inner world, my journey and the qualities of the materials.
Kansai Gaidai University, Japan (2008)My foundation in clay is rooted in Japanese culture, as I first learnt how to make pottery at university in Japan, while studying Japanese language as part of my degree in Philosophy and Japanese Studied. It was there that I learnt to value handmade ceramics, and came away with a whole range of traditional Japanese making and glazing techniques that I still use in my practise today.
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Clay College, Stoke on Trent (2017)In September 2017, I was accepted on the two-year, full-time Clay College Diploma course at Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent.
There, I learnt traditional English studio pottery practises from the hands of visiting master potters. In addition, Clay College hosted visiting potters from around the world. |
Wedgwood (2019)During my studies at Clay College, I worked part-time at Wedgwood, in their factory in Stoke-on-Trent. I had the opportunity to hone my throwing skills, while working for a high-end ceramics manufacturer.
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The Great Pottery Throw Down (2019 & 2020)After graduating Clay College, I worked on the third and fourth series of the show as a pottery consultant and technician.
This was an amazing opportunity to experience the fast paced world of television by working on an iconic pottery program with some amazing potters. |
University for the Creative ArtsI am currently working at UCA in Farnham in their ceramics department as the Tutor Technician to BA and MA students.
I also teach pottery classes for 318 Ceramics at Farnham Pottery in the evenings as well as teaching from my studio at home. |