2025 – Taking part in Potfest Scotland – Scone Palace

Biologist turned potter. In my former career as a freshwater Ecologist and entomologist I spent countless hours staring down microscopes analysing tiny details of bugs, algae and diatoms. When I decided to turn my long standing hobby of ceramics into a career, I couldn’t help but bring that attention to detail and love of the patterns and textures of nature into my work. My ceramics are handbuilt and as such, retain that organic, imperfect quality. Nature doesn’t do straight lines, and neither do I.

My functional pottery is made with white or buff stoneware, in a contemporary handmade style with drippy, layered glazes.  Dishwasher and microwave safe, I hope my bowls, plates, mugs, platters, soap dishes and trinket dishes bring joy to those who use them every day. Most are curved to fit nicely in the hand.

I am a houseplant enthusiast so I also make textured and carved planters. My hanging airplant jellyfish are very popular, I’ll make as many as I can!

I make all my own work myself, in my home studio, in Aberdeenshire. I work without the use of a potters wheel, using a variety of homemade moulds and tools to shape and detail my work. These include balloons, moulds made from carved upholstery foam, homemade bisque moulds and stamps. This process makes my work quite distinctive in style, with undulating rims, finger marks, texture from tool marks, stamping and carving.

I also do occasional sculpture, with a recent piece ‘Covid connections’ being commissioned by Aberdeen Art Gallery. I have an interest in prehistoric pottery and archaeology, so my entries into the potfest competition reflect that.

www.sealceramics.com