MATERIALS & PROCESSES

At the start of each project I work out a colour palette and use stains and oxides to colour the porcelain for inlaying. I then form slabs with white or black porcelain and inlay the coloured pieces in patterns. Shapes are cut from these slabs and hand formed while the porcelain is still soft. Offcuts are used to reform slabs creating new patterns. In this way I ensure I do not waste any materials as even the smallest pieces are reused.

PRACTICAL MEASURES

Environmental awareness and sustainable production are very important to me, so I have adopted a ‘closed loop’ approach to my practice. Firing porcelain in my kiln uses a lot of energy, so it is important to reduce my use of precious resources and energy by cutting my kiln firing temperatures. I’m always researching new ways of working with coloured porcelain and glazes to create vibrant colours at lower temperatures.

The ceramics I do make will be considered, one-off pieces, adding value and meaning to my work.

ADAPTABILITY

One of the joys of my specific working situation is that I can adopt new ways of working as I learn from individual practitioners from around the world. Their varied specialisms offer lessons on how to work ethically, sustainably and efficiently, enabling me to learn, respond, adopt and adapt.

I enjoy collaboration and often work with makers and artists from other disciplines to push my knowledge and understanding, for example exploring the use of environmental sound recordings to inspire pattern making with textile designers.