Escape in Clay
I started ceramics in 2001 at night's school and I fell in love with clay. I was then a full time assistant editor and I found it difficult to fit some creative time in my busy life. However, I much needed it and the 2 hours I spent at the studio every week were truly happy times!!
In 2010 my job came to an end and my husband encouraged me sell my work and in March 2011 a Blue Butterfly was born!
In February 2013 a new chapter was started when I bought my very first kiln. Exciting!! . I currently handbuild my work, often using a pastry rolling pin to create slabs of clay. I also use coiling and pinching techniques. I use commercial glazes which I apply with a brush.
I find that when I work with clay, time stops and I forget all my worries. It's a moment of total escapism. In 2022 I found out I was autistic and that totally explained my life's struggles. By switching to a creative career being self-employed I adjusted my lifestyle to suit my needs without even knowing I was autistic!
I love the versatility of clay, especially the potential to produce three-dimensional pieces, either functional or purely decorative. I make animal sculptures, candle and tealight holders, small dishes, vases and wall art - just to name a few. I mostly use stoneware. I fire everything in an electric kiln. All my work is created entirely by me from the original design to the finished product. For my jewellery and some of my pots, I use commercially purchased components (beads, charms, wire, leather cord, findings etc.) which I combine with my ceramics.
I am inspired by the beauty of the natural world. Leaves, flowers, animals and landscapes are regular motifs in my work, and I often use leaves to impress patterns into the clay. I also use stamps, and various household objects such as lace, hessian, buttons, screws, dowels, paint brushes, wall paper etc. I am also been loosely inspired by the steampunk/cyberpunk genres and use computer components from my old laptop to create futuristic designs.
I am a proud member of the Etsy Mud Team and of Etsy Manchester and I am very grateful to my teammies for all their help and advice!
