I use my experience as a potter in conjunction with gathered materials to explore the distinction between ‘natural’ and ‘crafted’. By using raw materials gathered during expeditions into the landscape together with refined materials, the way we view ‘natural’ and ‘crafted’ can become more about the ecosystems they interact with and less anthropocentric. I make use of local waste materials, like ash from restaurants and iron nails from recovered timber, sourced ‘wild’ clay and other minerals in combination with commercial clays to create stable clay bodies and glazes fit for function, whilst tangibly linking objects to place in a physical way.

My work is based in the traditions of pottery but expands and explores in sculptural forms, the relationship between artificial and natural, mindfulness and flow. I seek to capture the innate headspace of throwing with raw materiality and unapologetic decisions to preserve making marks. By doing this I want to show the off not just the material qualities but act of making also. My work is mainly wood fired but I also salt fire, I find these firing methods enhance subtle marks and leave more of an impression on the work, lending to the perceivable making quality. I believe to make is to be human and to understand our resources is wise.

EAJ Ceramics