Karen - Ceramicist

I make functional and decorative earthenware ceramics for the home. My process involves layers of decoration and images retaining a natural clay-like; feeling, combined with bold, playful decoration.

Simple forms are made on the wheel, or using plaster moulds. I collect imagery from daily life and nature to make paper collages and, before the first firing, coloured slips are brushed on to the leather hard clay using cut newspaper stencils. The use of newspaper lettering on the final ceramics echoes this process. Layers of applied slip produce a subtle raised decoration and can be drawn through, to reveal the red clay beneath. A second glaze firing is followed by a third for the application of printed decals.

I aim to achieve a quality of surface with pattern and texture, creating visually satisfying objects that are pleasure to our sense of touch. My ceramics are robust and I intend that through use they can enhance simple domestic routines. Pieces can be personalised with newsprint lettering.