Although originally coming from a graphic design/publishing background, I have been involved in ceramics since 1996, when I started my initial pottery classes held by Geoff Ambler. Since then I have attended several Art & Design courses and I have exhibited in various North Devon galleries since 2002. I am also a member of North Devon Arts.
At present I am making non-functional vessels, where although form, space and integrity of line are my primary concerns, I endeavour to achieve an essence of the natural world around us, the tactile quality of a pebble on the beach or a suggestion of the delicate construction of a shell. To begin with I make a small pinch pot from a ball of clay, slowly and meticulously I build the piece up adding no more than three coils of clay a day. This gradual process gives me time to consider the shape as it grows, continuously looking at the form and lines developing. Once the building process is complete I coat the piece with slip, when partially dry I burnish the clay using the back of a spoon or a polished pebble. The controlled and restrained development of the pieces is in complete contrast to the spontaneous surface decoration. Once the pots have had their first firing they are smoke-fired in a metal container with sawdust, newspaper or leaves from the garden. This creates haphazard markings on the vessels, some dramatic and vibrant, others subtle and gentle.

e: amm81@fsmail.net