I studied ceramic design at Farnham College, longer ago than I care to remember!

I began by throwing in traditional tableware shapes, but became more and more fascinated by pushing the boundaries in shaping my clay.

I enjoy exploring the possibilities of the medium, rather than feeling bound by the limitations. My work is functional as well, however, and I think it is important to enjoy it in the home as in a display cabinet. All of my tableware is therefore robust enough for family life, dishwasher-proof, as well as being things of beauty.

It is always hard to pinpoint what our influences are, but I will have a go!

In terms of artistic influence, I love the paintings of Matisse and Cezanne, as well as the blocks of colour in Mondrian and Rothko. I am a huge fan of the ceramics of Picasso (and have paid tribute to him in a number of pieces), and the colour of early Clarice Cliff.

                Mondrian plate                                            Picasso jug

I have been an actor and something of the theatricality of the stage comes out in my work. When finding shape and design, I think I am always looking for the dramatic rather than the everyday.

ghostly pots drying in the sun by the pond

I now work with white earthenware, using under-glaze colours and lustres to create vivid and exciting colours.