I take my inspiration from the calmness and beauty of my surroundings on the North Norfolk Coast from the wide expanse of the beaches to the countryside that surrounds me. I enjoy working with a subdued, neutral palette. I prefer the beauty of the clay and the traditional process to take centre stage in my work. I create small batches of hand thrown, high fired predominantly functional stoneware. My favourite pieces combine perfect function with simple, relaxed beauty. At a time where so many everyday objects in the home are mass produced, I enjoy creating work using traditional methods, that is individual in its own way, designed to last and to be enjoyed. All my handles on mug and jugs are traditionally hand pulled and carefully applied in a way that makes the handle feel as though it has sprung from the pot organically.
I am very lucky to live and work on the beautiful North Norfolk Coast. My Studio is a bit ramshackle and dates back to after the First World war when the Council provided small buildings for soldiers returning from the war to help get them back on their feet. They were provided with a small patch of land, a water pump and paid a peppercorn rent. I often think of those families working so hard in the building that I am now lucky enough to call my studio. I am usually accompanied in my work by two naughty dachunds called Olive and Sausage and my beautiful Fox Red Labrador, Inca. They are quite used to having bits of wet clay dropped on them and are usually tucked away under my work bench in their basket or roaming about getting under my feet. Sausage particularly likes to lie under the kiln when it is cooling down!! Every day that I am able to spend working in my studio I consider a blessing.