Give me the mountains by the sea, 2024

This ceramic piece embodies the essential balance between earth and water, two opposing elements that sustain life and balance. One part of the piece is crafted from rich warm clay, symbolizing the fertile soil that nourishes and supports growth. The deep, earthy tone speaks to the richness of the land that feeds us, grounding us in the physical and spiritual connection we share with the earth. By leaving this section raw, I aimed to emphasize our raw, unfiltered connection to the earth—a reminder of how the land stabilizes and anchors us. The other section of the piece represents the element of water. For me, water celebrates fluidity and freedom. It nurtures our body and mind and restores balance. In this piece it is represented through a faceted surface that captures and reflects light, much the same way crystal clear water does with its depth and movement. This side was meticulously hand-painted with multiple layers of different glazes, creating a surface that mirrors water’s movement and fluidity. The process of layering glazes was crucial to achieving this effect, with each layer adding depth and complexity, echoing the ever-changing nature of water. I hand built this piece from one clay body using the traditional coiling method. This clay body was carefully selected to achieve both contrasting components harmoniously. Once the shape was formed the details were then added or taken from the form. In creating this piece, I focused on both the symbolic and technical aspects to convey the delicate equilibrium between earth and water and our connection to them both.

I am an artist whose lifelong passion for creativity has guided my journey through the world of design. With a background in design that focused largely on the building industry and many design sectors within that industry, I have always been driven by a deep love of form and aesthetics.
In 2020, I touched clay for the first time, a medium that instantly captured my heart and transformed my artistic direction. Realising my deep connection to this material, and a yearning to explore it fully, in 2022 I took a step back from other business commitments and set up a home studio where I could fully immerse myself in ceramics. Since then, I have dived into the experimental aspect of clay, exploring surface finishes and hand building forms with movement and depth.