In many ordinary objects, there’s a creature waiting to get out. With a little imagination, a basic lidded bowl can be transformed into something with life and personality. The bird bowls evolution started when I added to my basic bonbon jar cast to make the Zodiac Vessels. Then I made a second Cancer the Crab for my Mum’s birthday and decided to decorate him with coloured slips. I felt that he still needed more, so I went wild with shapes cut from decal paper. I was happy with the result and decided to see what else I could do with this technique.
Bird forms seemed to work well with this shape so I started with an owl, using the top of my egg mould to make the head. Then a rooster, based loosely on the iconic Portuguese Galo de Barcelos. Then I was inspired by a duck paddling in the Thames…
My first three birds received a Judges Commendation at London Potters Members Exhibition 2023. I was commended for “skill, technique and use of materials”. The birds were displayed at Morley Gallery in Waterloo for two weeks where all three were sold and I had several enquiries for commissions. This was the kick-start my new ceramics business needed.
Many thanks to London Potters for providing the platform and the encouragement to help me transition from student to professional artist.
