I had a successful career in engineering and commerce. A few years ago, for no apparent reason I decided to make polymer clay Christmas decorations, then progressed to upcycling old ornaments. This was such fun that I took some short courses in hand-building ceramics. I found ceramic sculpture incredibly exciting with huge potential to create and experiment so I enrolled in the CityLit diploma in art & design, majoring in ceramics and print (2020).
I was hooked! So, I gave up work and did a Ceramics HND at Morley College (2022) where I gained a distinction. I now spend my days working in my studio. The wages may not be as good, but I am very happy.
From my first contact with clay, I felt a sense of creating something from nothing, giving “mud” form and purpose. It has a longevity that few materials can claim; most ancient artifacts have either disintegrated over time or have been disassembled for raw materials – but the ceramics remain. They are a record of human existence, from Minoan cups to the tiles on spaceships!
The possibilities for experimenting and expressing myself in clay are enormous. I constantly have new ideas about things that I want to try or develop further. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. Opening the kiln is always an adventure!
Home is Chiswick, West London, where I have my studio.