June 2025
w/c 2 June
Capturing Place - Reflections from the Studio
I arrived home from university last night mentally exhausted. In hindsight, it’s been an incredibly full week - balancing the exploration of ribbon pattern ideas, considering potential colour solutions inspired by the May verges outside the house, completing the construction of my second exploratory sculpture based on the Sawbridge contour, and beginning a third piece in the same theme, this time taking a much more organic form. All of this, alongside trying to process my thoughts and intentions for this potential body of work.
Through these exploratory sculptures - each rooted in a single place - I’m trying to capture the notion of place: the memories it holds, the connections we have to moments in time, and our emotional responses to it. It’s about nostalgia, quiet reflection, and the subtle resonance of experience - attempting to hold a moment still, in form and surface.
At this stage, I’m not entirely sure where the work is heading. Perhaps I’ll know I’m onto something when I feel that unmistakable tingle of excitement while building and making!
w/c 9 June
From Ridge to Ribbon: Developing Contrast in Clay
Another busy and productive week draws to a close, as I continue to unravel the notions and complexities of Memories of Place - and the deep emotional connections these thoughts stir within us.
Time in the studio was focused first on refining the form of the third sculpture in this exploratory series. Once satisfied with the structure, I began applying the ribbon texture to its surface. The most critical element for me was getting the top ridge just right - the contour visible from above. This ridge has dictated the entire outcome of the sculptural form, setting the tone for the piece. For this sculpture, I chose to work with Valentine’s black clay PF680. I’m planning to glaze the smooth areas to heighten the contrast between the different surface treatments.
Alongside this, I’ve been continuing my series of coloured clay tests and experimenting with textured coloured clay tiles. I’m exploring how to create a more organic, free-flowing feel in the applied texture - aiming for yet another layer of contrast between the rigid form and the tactile, almost fluid surface. This is still very much a work in progress, but I find the seemingly random appearance quite appealing - even though the application process is anything but random! This particular rabbit hole also led me to discover the ceramic work of Tinne Debruijne - absolutely stunning and inspiring.
It was a little stressful watching the second-year MA students prepare for their stand at Ceramic Wales at Bodrhyddan Hall, North Wales - a reminder that this time next year, it’ll be us first-year students in their shoes (eek!). I went along yesterday to support them and take in the wider show, and they truly did a fantastic job.
w/c 16 June
Balancing Form and Feelings
This week began with glorious weather, so I took the opportunity to spend time in my home studio, exploring coloured clay and textures through a new series of test tiles. The full colour potential of these pieces won’t be revealed until their final firing in a few weeks - I’m hopeful that something exciting will emerge from the kiln. I’m particularly intrigued by the idea of painting with ribbons of coloured clay - evocative of rock formations, much like the way weavers work colour into cloth, paper artists create through collage, or fashion artist Rachel Ellen Bogen layers dyed silk into her work.
On Wednesday afternoon, I headed to the university studio to begin the fourth sculpture in my exploratory series, which focuses on the contour from a single place. I started this piece with a flat base shaped to match the contour line, and from there, I began building upwards in an organic, intuitive way - letting the form guide me, without a set plan. It became a very mindful and immersive process, and one I’ve found personally rewarding. By Friday, I had begun adding texture to the surface, although there’s still much to do. For now, the piece is carefully wrapped and left in the studio while I’m away for the next two weeks - I just hope it doesn’t dry out too much in that time!
This build has already sparked new thoughts and ideas for future developments along this theme, and I’m excited to see where they might lead.
w/c 23 June
Stepping Back to Soak It In: A Week of Ceramic Inspiration
This week was a break from the studio and making - a chance to pause, recharge, and replenish my visual library while learning from some incredible artists in the rich and varied world of ceramics.
The week began with my local Art in Dunchurch Summer event, part of Warwickshire Open Studios - a wonderful showcase featuring 20 local artists and more. It was such a joy to see the range of creative work happening so close to home.
Later in the week, I made my first visit to the International Ceramics Festival at Aberystwyth Arts Centre - a truly immersive, three-day celebration of all things clay. From experimental kilns and live firings to exhibitions, guest lectures, and hands-on demonstrations, the festival was packed with inspiration. I managed to cram in as much as possible, attending brilliant sessions and demos by Fitch & McAndrew, Nicholas Lees, Rich Miller, Louise Bell, and Patty Wouters. Each offered something unique, and I came away energised and full of ideas.
Sometimes stepping away from the making process is just what’s needed - to refocus, absorb, and return with fresh perspectives.
