2026 – Taking part in Potfest South West- Shaftesbury

I make individual pots that are largely thrown on the wheel, and are functional and decorative. I enjoy working with forms that have several sections or elements (such as moon flasks, lidded jars, footed bowls and teapots ), taking on the challenge and precision of making things fit together.

I work with a ‘fluted agate ware’ process: throwing with coloured clay swirling through the growing form, and then carving into the surface to reveal a unique pattern for each piece. This keeps me continually curious as to what will emerge, and how I can add quieter areas of plain colour to create balanced designs. Inspiration comes from similar patterns seen in shells; weathered rocks, and other natural forms, but once in the studio with clay materials , the ‘what if’ questioning becomes the driving force for developing work.

For many years I concentrated on working in porcelain. More recently I have also been exploring clay foraged from my garden and local area. Taking the time to source and process this clay; formulating glazes from local materials and experimenting with firing temperatures has given me a slower pace of working, and I now appreciate more fully the individual nature of each piece I make.

With a BA and MA from Cardiff, and a PHD from Loughborough University, I have been working with clay for over 40 years. I now live in Rode, Somerset and work from a small home studio. Author of ‘Practical Solutions for Potters’ (1998) and ‘The Potters’ Question and Answer Book’, (1999) A&C Black.

gillbliss.com