The Artist
How do I put into words how it feels to be lucky enough to have lived in and been inspired by the most beautiful county in the country?
The infinite palate of an ever-changing ocean, the sights and smells of the salty sea air, the never-ending beaches, harbours carved and nestled into the cliffs and a life lived surrounded by nature’s treasures.
The rugged, harsh landscapes, overflowing with incredible natural resources that have led to the ingenuity and industry of engineering achievements and a proud mining past. An unforgiving land where the indomitable Celtic spirit continues to flourish, overcoming poverty, adversity and challenges of life.
This is my home, these are my people this is my heritage and this is where my love for nature and urge for creativity, art and endeavour were born.
My landscape of colours
Oceans of cerulean, teal, slate and lapis.
Brooding skies of raisin black and amaranth purple, cooling and softening into plums, clement iris and playful periwinkles.
Infinite beaches painted in ochre and pebbled shorelines in subtle kaleidoscopes of slate, sandstone and granite; studded with precious jewels of multicoloured sea glass.
Sweeping multi-shaded green fields and hedgerows of gorse, splashed with golds and yellows, all tumbling down harsh, jagged ruddy brown erosions, sprinkled with heather, to reveal intimate and always surprise-laden coves and harbours.
These are the colours of my sumptuous Cornish palette, swirling over infinite natural beauty. Every new shade evoking the sights, smells and tastes of my beautiful home and invigorating the senses of all who wish to come and share them with me.
My experience with clay
I have come to clay many times in my life but it’s only now that I am at a stage when I can finally dedicate myself to it. I am mostly self-taught but have been guided by several inspirational individuals along the way.
Ultimately, I guess I have come to clay to express myself, my Cornish life, loves and experiences. To channel all into beautiful ceramics for others to appreciate and love as well.
Every stage of the creative process excites me. From daydreaming to designing; researching to planning; designing to sketching and then finally touching, moulding, glazing and firing.
As I turn the handle to enter my workshop, I have butterflies.
The rustle and crackle of opening the first bag. Slicing effortlessly through the silky, clinging yet yielding compliance of the material. Seeing the solid perfect endlessly smooth texture of the cut surface. Wedging, rolling, throwing; to handle clay is to feel its endless possibilities all at once.
Everyday life fades away. The process consumes me. Totally absorptive with a blissful contentment.
My aim is to try to infuse some of that makers calm and tranquillity into every finished piece.
My workshop is my sanctuary and antidote to the rigours of life and clay is my elixir and therapy.