My clay journey started in a most unexpected place, a local history talk. A local history group had invited a potter in to talk about the history of the pottery. At the end of his talk he offered the opportunity to visit his studio and have a go on the wheel, stating he could get us all throwing in one session. Being a very craft based person this was a chance that I could not forgo. The group of us all had a brilliant day leaving with three or four pots decorated waiting for firing. I can remember my delight when the fired pots arrived at the class a few weeks later. I was well and truly hooked. However it was about three years later when I approached my local pottery at Kirton to see if there were any spaces in their lessons. I started attending regular classes in the early part of 2013 and have never looked back.

My favourite clay to work with is crank, especially for creating outdoor pieces as this fires to about 1280°C which makes it frost resistant. The reduction firing creates a toasty effect on the raw clay. Having worked in the antiques trade for many years my love for antiques, history, archaeology and mythology are a constant source of inspiration. The medieval period in particular has become a great influence in my work.

The whole process from the initial spark of and idea is a series of decisions, which clay is best, colours, texture, finish and which combination to get the finished effect.  I especially enjoy using different clays in one piece to achieve a variety of colour and texture.

As well as having my own garden studio at home I also work from the pottery at Kirton in Lindsey.