Follow the Process...
To achieve the desired outcome in creating exquisite artworks, various techniques can be utilized. The following are the different techniques, their processes, and resulting outcomes.
Raku Firing
What inspires me about Raku pottery is the connection to the natural elements-earth, fire, water, and air. These raw forces come together to create something truly unique in every piece. I love shaping my pots into organic forms, letting the clay take on its own natural flow.
Glazed Raku and horsehair techniques are among my favorites, as they allow for striking contrasts and unpredictable, beautiful results. I also enjoy experimenting with different types of Raku, exploring how variations in the process bring out new textures and effects. Working outdoors during the firings is truly a wonderful experience, as it deepens my connection to nature and adds a sense of freedom to the creative process.
Sculptures
Dipping my toes into the world of clay sculpture has been nothing short of magical —a journey of discovery and raw creativity. Guided by a dear pottery friend whose passion lit the way, I found myself utterly inspired.
Once again, my deep love for Africa surged to the forefront, fuelling my imagination and pushing my artistic boundaries. Working with mixed clay has been a revelation, allowing me to embrace its raw, untamed beauty and celebrate the natural contrast of colours as they meld and shift through the firing process.
The addition of silver has brought an entirely new dimension to my work—an electrifying fusion of two crafts I adore. As a budding silversmith, weaving metal into my clay creations feels like the perfect alchemy, where earth and fire unite to tell a story of texture, contrast, and pure artistic expression.
Mixed Clay
In my mixed clay pottery practice, l blend various types of clay to create unique textures and colour variations in each piece. The process involves experimenting with different clay bodies, from stoneware to porcelain, to achieve diverse surface qualities and structural effects. By combining clays with varying shrinkage rates and firing temperatures, I can push the boundaries of form and texture, resulting in organic, one-of-a-kind pieces that speak to the unpredictability and beauty of nature. This approach also allows me to play with different firing techniques, such as Raku, to bring out the individual character of each clay blend.
Scraffito
Sgraffito is a technique I love using to add texture and contrast to my pottery. The process involves applying layers of coloured slip or underglaze to the surface of the clay, then carefully carving or scratching away parts of the top layer to reveal the clay beneath. This creates intricate, often bold designs with a striking contrast between the two layers.
I find the act of carving into the clay to be a calming and meditative experience. It allows me to focus deeply on the form and surface of the piece, enhancing the tactile quality of the pottery while adding a personal, artistic touch. The slow, deliberate nature of Sgraffito is both soothing and rewarding, bringing life and dimension to each creation.
Stamping
Pottery stamping offers a world of creative freedom, allowing me to incorporate a diverse range of objects to imprint on the clay.
From treasures I discover during bush and beach walks to everyday household items and discarded objects, each stamp carries its own story and texture.
I especially enjoy using intricate Indian cloth stamps, which are unique in design and add rich, organic patterns to the clay surface. These stamps interact beautifully with applied glazes, capturing and holding them in varied ways, giving each piece its own distinct character and depth. Every impression brings a new layer to my work.
Mixed Glaze
Glazing is a journey into the unknown, a world of endless possibilities where creativity meets the unpredictability of the kiln. I thrive on experimenting with various glazing techniques, from layering and overlapping to spraying, free-form, and pouring.
Each method offers its own intrigue, but once the piece is in the kiln, it's all in the hands of the kiln gods, as every potter knows!
The anticipation builds as the firing process begins, and there's a thrill in awaiting the reveal.
When the kiln opens, it feels like unwrapping a present—never quite sure if it will match the vision in my head. Yet, that's the beauty of it. Even when the outcome isn't what l imagined, the uniqueness of each piece, shaped by fire and time, is what makes the process so magical.
Pinch Pots
Pinch pots have always held a special place in my pottery journey. There's something deeply satisfying about the simplicity of using just my fingers to shape clay, feeling it respond with each pinch and press. From crafting tiny moon jars to
creating larger, statement pieces, I find joy in the organic, free-form shapes that emerge. Each pinch adds gentle movement, allowing the pot to evolve naturally in my hands, reflecting both the strength and softness of the clay.
This technique embodies a delicate balance, celebrating imperfections and unique forms that are beautifully one-of-a-kind.