2024 – Taking part in Potfest in the Pens – Penrith Autumn

I am a ceramicist inspired by Scottish nature, history and folklore. I work in earthenware in an illustrative style using coloured slips and sgraffito to create striking functional and decorative pieces with surface texture. Being an archaeologist turned potter, I use many patterns from British prehistory, taken from pots made thousands of years ago. Combining these ancient geometric patterns into modern pieces keeps that ancient ceramics tradition alive in a modern context, alongside colourful and playful images of animals or nature. Having studied the ancient pottery scientifically, literally from the inside out, making a tribute to the skill of past ceramicists seems fitting.

Working with earthenware’s deep, rich colours and often humble, functional associations, I create my earthy wares mostly on the wheel, but I occasionally use hand-building or sculpting too. My favourite part of the process is to hand-carve onto each piece the characters and motifs of animals, plants, symbols or patterns, each with their own little personalities and stories. It’s a joy to watch people choose their favourites and make a story to go with their new pot.

Bog Born Crafts has developed over the past few years when I really dedicated myself to my ceramics passion. I’ve been surrounded by clay my whole life due to my dad, Trevor, doing pottery. I decided to start my own studio, occasionally collaborating with him too. The name reflects the earthy themes and love of wild places that I embody in my work.

I work from my home studio in Perthshire where the hills, lochs, woods, creatures and bogs are a constant inspiration, not to mention the tales of witches, kelpies, giants and crones that dot the land through folklore. I primarily sell my wares online via my website, or at local or historical markets throughout the UK.

www.bogborn.com