MAKING

I love experimenting with clay and my making process is a way to work through my ideas and communicate my thoughts. I believe that hand making is an ancient and fundamental human activity that can transcend cultural divides. Hand crafted objects express our identity, while the process of making can enhance our health and well-being.

I’ve always loved working with porcelain and nothing beats it’s translucency, colour and strength. But all ceramics, once fired, are permanent and don’t degrade or decompose. I now create limited edition pieces to draw attention, tell stories and engage people in conversations about subjects I’m passionate about. With these causes close to my heart in mind I’m producing much less and ensuring that what I create is well considered and skilfully made. This, I hope, gives my work greater value and meaning.

I have become increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of creating more stuff, in a world where we produce too much. So, to address this I have adopted a more sustainable, closed loop approach - my plan is to minimise waste and re-use or recycle. This includes all waste from my studio, from paper to ceramics plus anything I can re-purpose from my household waste.

COLLABORATING

I am particularly interested in our connections to one another. As well as extensive work with other makers in Scotland I have been lucky enough to work in Thailand, Mexico, Iceland and Canada. The makers I have met in these places have inspired me to think more responsibly about our shared global environment, the sustainability of materials and the production processes.

Collaborating with other makers gives me an outlet for exploring and trialling my creative ideas and test pieces that require further development. Collaborating gives a focus, creating the time and space to bring ideas to fruition with someone else.

NETWORKING

Working across the world I organise projects to bring people together to collaborate and co-operate. These projects help makers to increase their skills, confidence and self belief. I’ve supported them to become better at articulating the story of what they do and why it’s important.

These projects create networks to bring people together across continents or neighbours around the corner. They can combat isolation, enhance community cohesion and promote understanding. New online communities are creating global connections to reduce our carbon footprints.