Clair Norris – Samieston Ceramics
2026 – Taking part in Potfest in the Pens – Penrith Autumn and Potfest Scotland – Christmas
My work has always contained an element of place, often abstractly represented. In the early days of making this was very geometrical, working with interlocking forms, using slip casting as a base to create then alter shapes. This has evolved over the years and moving to the Scottish Borders has introduced a new horizon and much more focus on developing colour. I love to make in slightly unconventional ways and have enjoyed introducing other materials into the ceramics making process, such as paper fibres into the clay and using old lace and fabrics as textures. I use this process of impressing objects into the soft clay when creating tiles with patients, staff and family members at the Margaret Kerr Unit of the Borders General Hospital. I create decorative hand painted tiles featuring birds in the landscape, and colourful horizon vessels. These are sold through a selection of galleries, online and directly at shows.