Rebecca J. Woods
2025 – Taking part in Potfest Scotland – Scone Palace, Potfest in the Pens – Penrith Autumn and Potfest in the City – Glasgow
I am a potter based in Moffat, Dumfries & Galloway. This will be my 4th year applying for Potfest in the Pens. I currently make decorative pieces for the home; bud vases, planters, ginger jars, moon jars etc. But also more functional wares; bowls, mugs, ‘yunomi’, pouring bowls, jugs, pedestal serving bowls, bathroom and kitchen pieces etc.
Most of my work is made using the potter’s wheel, but I also love handbuilding. I have been focusing on making new glazes and Mishima decoration. Mishima comes from the Japanese Island of Mishima, but it was originally transported from Korea around the 16th century. This is a technique of inlaying colored slip into carved lines and imprints. I create the surface decoration by imprinting using my handmade stamps, buttons from my mum’s old button tin, and found objects from around the house eg the single earring!
I have been working on a project around autobiographical childhood memories and text on my ceramic pieces. I high fire to 1260 degrees c, in an electric kiln.
I enjoy the process, the pleasure of being totally absorbed in the creation of an object. I am fascinated by how clay, essentially earth, can be transformed into something beautiful. I like the idea that someone will take home one of my pieces, that it becomes part of their home, in either a useful way, or just for pleasure.
My work is influenced by the British Studio Pottery tradition, and its current exponents, especially Mike Dodd who I’ve worked with, and who continues to support my work. More importantly though is how I’ve been influenced by a childhood of making; sewing, knitting, cooking and generally being encouraged to be creative. One of my main influences is my mum, who used to bring home her own pottery creations from her night class.