Pottery
Each of the galleries below show the different styles of pots I like to make and the range of different surfaces I can get from my wood kiln. After each firing I update the first few images and delete the last few from each gallery. If you want to buy a piece then please head over to the store to see what’s for sale.
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Albarelli
An albarello was originally a type of majolica earthenware jar designed to hold apothecaries ointments and dry drugs. Developed in the Middle East it was brought to Europe by traders in the 15th century. Such jars served both functional and decorative purposes in traditional apothecaries and pharmacies and represented status and wealth.
My interest in this jar arose from a trip through Europe in 2007 and seeing an albarello in a museum in Istanbul. Back home I was after a form that would suit my style of throwing and also benefit from wood firings. The balance and proportions of the shape, the qualities of line and the impact of the firing process all allow so many possibilities.
One of my favourite areas of each piece is when I apply the lugs or handles. The piece transforms and gains character as the eye is drawn to this area of detail. These Albarelli tell a story, a narrative that illustrates the way I handle clay and fire. These forms have become more personal the more I make them and consequently able to tell more stories, a development that excites me and offers huge potential.
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Bakers
Bakers are such an essential ceramic tool for the kitchen, the go-to for casseroles, puddings and stews. As a maker the heft of a baker and the ability for it to handle the heat are key
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Bowls
The images in this gallery give you some idea of the stable form that makes up so much of my throwing time and kiln volume. My un-ending line of pasta and noodle bowls, or the large serving bowl with handles, or the ever practical pouring bowls are such an enjoyable part of being a potter.
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Caddies
Another form that I find fun to throw are tea caddies. Essentially a lidded storage jar, each piece is unique with the idea that they hold dry goods that are identified by the form or colouring of the pot.
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Jars
I’ve always had a soft spot for the bottle or jar form. When I was learning how to make pots at UNITEC it was a shape that challenged me, one I felt I had to master. I didn’t get close to perfecting it but I did get to understand some of its subtleties. My current fascination with the form has grown out of the need to have another form that can cope with my kiln, in particular the firebox and fit in with my Albarelli to aid in stacking. So partly prosaically and partly aesthetically I’m now a regular bottle thrower. The form also throws up challenges that allow me to experiment with solutions – handles are a good case in point. The choice of loops, lugs, or finger catchers has to be made for each variation. Does a fat bottom need a chunky lug? So I’ll be experimenting and if you visit the page regularly you’ll see an evolution of the bottle form.
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Jugs
Jugs are so much fun to make, the dynamic of the spout takes the form into such interesting territory. The balance, pouring ability and function all play a part, but still leave lots of room to experiment with form, decoration and the kiln to leave its mark.
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Mugs
The humble mug is both a delight to make and a delight to use. That connection between the maker and the user is never so intimate as when you use a hand made mug.
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Plates
Plates or platters aren’t as regular visitors to my kiln as other forms, partly due to the volume they take up (in particular the negative space as what else do I need to make to fill the holes). Also they can catch any muck flying about (or dropped off the shelf above), so I only get a couple through every 2nd firing usually.
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Pourers
These small pouring vessels are fun to make and fit into lots of holes when stacking my kiln. They are designed to pour sauces or oils and fit either on the table or near the stove.
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Teabowl
I like to think of each tea bowl I make as a little bit special, none are made deliberately the same as I’m trying to catch a freshness in each one. So I try different clays, throwing methods, glaze and slip combinations and kiln placement for each teabowl.
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Teapots
Teapots are one of the more challenging forms to throw, comprising of three thrown parts plus a handle and knob. I usually make them in small batches in small, medium and large and experiment each time, changing the form, handle or lid shape.
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Tumblers and Beakers
Beakers are a little like mugs in that they have that same intimate connection between hand and lip, but without the handle. They also benefit from filling all the nooks and odd spots in the kiln, so get an amazing range of surface effects and colours.
