I was born in Port Talbot in 1954 and, after raising my two children, studied ceramics at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, gaining a BA(Hons) Ceramics in 2002.
A passion for the figurative has been a continuous thread throughout my life, from early childhood memories of drawing pictures of my family to the present day, creating heads in clay.
I have a wide range of influences and interests including classical and primitive sculpture. The tribal theme running through much of my work appeals to my sense of design and love of pattern while the concept of the mask with all its connotations of identity, overt or hidden, I find interesting and inspiring.
The heads are slightly larger than life-size, approximately 18" / 46cm in height and are individually constructed with slabbing and coiling techniques. I make the form with minimum expressive detail - a blank canvass on which to add simple, bold or elaborate designs with the use of glaze.
Most of my work is raku fired which, due to the unpredictable nature of the process, provides an element of spontaneity. I have also developed some matt blue glazes and black bronze glazes which are fired in an electric kiln.
I aspire to create work that is well crafted and aesthetically pleasing. If it also evokes an emotional response from the viewer, even better!
