My days are filled with the demands of a busy family and a stressful job, backed by an MBA, professional FCMI and CIWEM qualifications and 20 years experience in Local Government. It’s a busy, high-stress world of spreadsheets and endless Teams meetings; which is exactly why I first turned to clay.
There is a lot in the media right now about how tactile, hands-on crafts act as a cathartic antidote to modern work stress, and I can tell you first hand that it’s completely true. Pottery became my escape. The mindfulness of working at the wheel forces you to be entirely present; you can't check an email or think about a deadline when your hands are covered in mud. It’s a beautifully grounding way to decompress and slow down.
My pottery journey began five years ago at The Clay Loft under the guidance of my first tutor, Adrian Bates. I initially found my stride in the deliberate process of hand-building, which formed the foundation of my style.
After two years of refining my craft at Stroud Pottery under the mentorship of the highly regarded Penny Campbell, I returned to The Clay Loft as a Studio Member. This time was transformative; while I started purely as a hand-builder, I fell in love with the potter's wheel, allowing me to blend structure with fluidity in my work.
Even as my skills evolve, my practice stays rooted in the simple pleasure of making things by hand. There is nothing quite like the joy of making something for friends and family that they actually use and cherish. Popping round to someone’s house and seeing them drinking from a mug or using a bowl I made is incredibly rewarding!
While I occasionally undertake bespoke commissions, mostly I just love the art of making something original from a lump of clay. Please feel free to get in touch to discuss anything pottery related!
