A career as a studio potter

All my life I have enjoyed drawing and using art materials. In the

1970’s I started to specialise in clay. I really like the combining of

surface design and function when I create my decorative pots. The

same enthusiasm for colourful surface images is even more present

in the more expressive art pieces.

The abstract nature of marks are derived from land forms and

geographical references are always present - rivers, clouds, rain,

wind, rocks, and volcanic activity.

In my art work I enjoy the feeling of being unrestricted by traditional

concepts. By keeping the form simple and basic I can really 'let go'

on the surfaces, drawing and painting with ceramic and other

materials. I enjoy the ever expanding discovery that is possible

when basic glazing "rules' are set aside and imagery is allowed to

flourish."

I use modern, technical methods with assistance from commercially

prepared clays, minerals and special coloured pigments in the

creation of my decorative bowls.

I work in themes and series with images that change and evolve

from month to month and no two pots are the same.

The larger sculptural pieces are basically ceramic but often employ

mix medium surfaces and more complex methods.

Glazes have a final firing up to 1260°C. this makes the ceramics

very strong and durable.

It has been wonderful to have been active for 30 years or more on

the New Zealand craft and art scene. Many hundreds of homes

have my bowls and plates in daily use, and some display the visual

and sculptural on their walls and spaces

The last 30 years opened up opportunities for involvement in many

International ceramic events, seminars and workshops in USA,

Britain, Canada, and Australia. The development of publishing

articles, posters and charts has developed from contact with a wide

community of artists, friends and students in those countries