Biography
I have studied ceramics over the past year with Phil Pearson and Sarah Livingstone at Halton Mill, a community space just outside Lancaster, UK. I am now an active member of the Mill's Makerspace, where I make my work, help load the kiln, clean the studio and reclaim our clay.
Considering it is basically mud, clay has a beautiful way of sneaking into our kitchens: Cups, bowls, and plates are used by us at almost every meal. It's a great honour for a potter to create something that has such an impact in our lives. I love the way the subtle asymmetry and interesting glaze of a handmade cup asks us to slow down and enjoy our tea or coffee.
I have a real love of spending time in nature - in woods, by rivers and at the sea. I am currently experimenting with combining the wood I find on the bank of the River Lune with ceramic objects to create sculptural pieces. To me, the gnarly beauty of wood is perfect: full of character. I find pieces which feel out of place in the sea of driftwood on the estuary shore, reflecting the loneliness many of us can feel in modern society. I spend time with the wood, cleaning and preserving it, during which I test different sculptural ideas. Basically, I ask the wood what it needs, and try to provide this. I also enjoy building up sculptural pieces based on human anatomy - providing vessels with legs, bones and hearts.
I am particularly inspired by the work of artists, sculptors and studio potters of the 20th century: Henry Moore, Alan Wallwork, Lynn Chadwick, Mary Rogers, John Ward, Elizabeth Fritsch, Alberto Giametti, Betty Blandino and Mo Jupp.
​
If you would like to know more about my work or Halton Mill, please get in contact using the form on the home page of this website.
​
Rae x