March 2026
w/c 9 March 2026
Quiet Progress in the Studio
I finally feel as though I am beginning to settle back into a good rhythm of making in the studio, after mentally working through several issues surrounding my work and the direction I wish to take. It is deeply important to me to enjoy the process of making — the way thoughts travel through material and gradually take form as ceramic sculpture. Over the last few months some of that joy had quietly slipped away, but with just over five months remaining before the final show, I want to be fully engaged in the process once again. I want to be present for every part of it — both the highs and the inevitable lows — knowing that these experiences will ultimately shape my future practice.
Exploratory Form 28, built using small flattened coils, emerged from its final firing this week. The partially glazed textured band has worked well, defining that section of the form without becoming a dominant or glossy statement. However, I do feel that this technique still requires further refinement if it is to communicate the ideas I hope to convey through my sculptures.
Alongside continuing to test ideas on small tiles, I am still trying to produce as many small maquettes as possible. What begins as a modest piece does, however, often have a tendency to grow — perhaps a sign that my hand-building skills are not quite as restrained as they could be. Occasionally this works in my favour. This week the larger-than-intended Exploratory Form 32 was finally dry enough to complete its surface carving. Having never attempted this technique on a finished form before, I approached it with a considerable sense of trepidation. Once completed, however, I found myself quietly pleased with the outcome. It is now drying slowly and will go into the bisque firing next week.
Up to this point I have been using the contour line of Sawbridge as a flat base from which some of my sculptures begin. With this in mind, I wanted to explore how that same contour might function as a shaped base instead. In trying to resolve the best way to construct forms that begin from these contour-informed bases, I started two new maquettes — Forms 33 and 34. Form 33 has stalled slightly for now, though I will return to it next week. Form 34, by contrast, seemed to develop much more quickly. Both are now resting under cover until my next studio session. I rushed slightly towards the end of Form 34 as it was progressing well, but I am now wondering whether it may require a little editing with my pottery knife — perhaps some rebuilding to contain a touch of enthusiasm and waywardness within the form. Time away from the work will hopefully bring some perspective when I uncover them again next week.
We also had a fascinating visit to the factory at Darwin Terracotta this week. It was remarkable to see craftsmanship thriving within the ceramics industry at such a scale. What struck me most, however, was how familiar the processes felt — the same methods, techniques and materials used within a studio pottery setting, simply operating on a much larger scale. Huge thanks go to Jon Wilson and the team at Darwin Terracotta for such an informative and welcoming tour, offering us a glimpse into the incredible projects they undertake across the globe.
