Suzan Kemp
2026- Taking part in Potfest in the Pens – Spring
Agate is the main style of my work. I use 3 colours of earthenware clay – red terracotta, white and black clay which are layered together to make an assortment of patterns. It is a unique process as the coloured clays dictates the pattern of the work which is sealed with a clear glaze.
Due to the shrinkage rate between the 3 different clay bodies, they have to be dried slowly to avoiding them pulling apart. So the process can be quite long.
I make functional ware such as cheese boards, coasters and tea lights as well as artistic pots, bowls and vases.
The terracotta is a reminder of my childhood spent in Africa. The red of the soil which turns to near black when wet. Nature is the main influence – striated rocks, wood grain and the swirling seas.