October 2025

6 Oct

w/c 29 September 2025

Clay Journeys and Quiet Reflections

It’s been an informative, interesting and thought-provoking week - one filled with inspiration, conversation and inevitably, a little exhaustion. Our trip to Stoke for the British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) at the historic Spode Factory was a highlight, there’s something grounding about being surrounded by so much creative energy and such a rich history of making.

The exhibitions did not disappoint. The BCB Award Prize Winner, Jo Taylor, presented truly stunning work and it was wonderful to see her success recognised after the generous time she shared with me during my research earlier in the year. Kyra Cane’s dynamic pieces captured that sense of movement and energy I always find so captivating, while Susan Halls’ awe-inspiring sculptures reminded me once again of the power of form to hold emotion and narrative. The colourful, abstract work of Alison Rees struck a particular chord with me - something about her use of shape and colour resonated deeply with my graphics background and my continuing fascination with the interplay between control and spontaneity.

The BCB Fresh exhibition was equally inspiring, brimming with vitality and new ideas. Catalin Filip’s work explored materiality in such a tactile and intriguing way, Ceri Shaw’s mark-making was utterly absorbing and Caroline Gray’s exploration of colour and texture drew me in immediately. Each artist reminded me that there are so many ways to interpret and express our connection with clay.

The afternoon brought another highlight - a guided tour of the Potclays factory. It was fascinating to see behind the scenes of a company so integral to the ceramics community and to better understand the processes that underpin so much of what we take for granted in the studio.

Back at university, we second-year students hosted a welcome lunch for the new first years - a lovely annual tradition in the ceramics department. It was wonderful to feel the energy of new beginnings in the air and to reflect on how far we’ve come since we were in their shoes just a year ago.

In the studio, form No. 9 emerged from the kiln this week. I must admit, I felt a little disappointed with it. Something about the freestanding sculptural direction doesn’t quite feel right for me - at least, not at the moment. I’m still processing why that is, and what that might mean for my next steps. For now, I’m working on several other forms at various stages - experimenting with underglazes, adding texture and exploring surface treatment through smaller maquettes.

A few of these small pieces have really surprised me. They’ve opened up new possibilities for surface development, particularly around mono-printing and mark-making. I keep coming back to this - the graphic language that sits quietly at the heart of my practice. Perhaps it’s time I fully embrace it, exploring the strength of a simple mark or a bold block of colour as a key part of my evolving visual vocabulary.

The MA Show also came to an end this week. It’s been a privilege to witness the incredible work of the graduating students and I wish them all the very best as they move forward in their creative journeys.