2025 Exhibitors - Ceramics

Handmade stoneware ceramics inspired by wildlife and the natural world.

My degree in Contemporary Crafts led me to various processes using clay. Initially slip casting in porcelain, I then moved to hand-building and coiling with various textured clays, wanting to be more organic and spontaneous with form. Inspiration for both texture and colour are found in nature, recently being rock faces and strata. Currently seasonal colours found in nature have inspired a move away from grey and black. My passion for Japanese and Korean ceramics inspires me occasionally to throw footed bowls and enjoy the process of kurinuki.

Designer Maker currently working in Clay: a mix of Slipware techniques at Earthenware temperatures for expressive one-off pieces and simple glazed Stoneware for functional tableware. Most recently I have been enjoying the tactile nature of high-fired red earthenware, sometimes in a raw unglazed finish; using this medium to explore interpretations of what a ‘vessel’ can be. My aim is to create fluid, contemporary and fresh objects from traditional processes whilst keeping that ‘freshness’ alive throughout.

A collection of strong and distinctive, earthy yet fragile hand-built ceramic forms. A personal vocabulary of textured and expressive surfaces, together with scale, invite physical interaction. A rhythm of creation and destruction persists - of building up and taking away, influenced by all things weathered, broken, changed, dug-up and ancient.

This artist is no longer taking part.

Joanne Rutter is a ceramicist working predominantly in stoneware. She throws elegant, simple shapes for the table including plates, beakers and serving bowls, in blacks and blues, alongside her sgraffito range in blues and greens. She models a variety of coloured fruits and also coils large scale vessels for gardens.

I’m a multi-disciplinary artist working in ceramics, illustration, botanical ink prints and jewellery. I try to connect with my curious inner child by choosing mediums and techniques that I’m drawn to in the moment, going with the flow of creative energy. Whether that’s through being hands-on with clay, letting pieces take form organically as I sculpt, sketching moments and feelings from my imagination or collecting and blending in found objects from nature. My current passions are sculpting creatures with botanical elements and using watercolour illustration as a kind of meditative practice.

Working with various earthenware clay's, exploring different methods, from the primitive technique of pinch pots to casting, wheel throwing and slab building ... this is my passion and my canvas, allowing me to work with textural forms, patterns and colours ... they represent so many ideas and feelings.

Mel has been creating a wide range of ceramic designs for everyday use, with unusual glazes, since 2015. After finishing an evening ceramics course at a local college, she immediately went on to find a second-hand potter’s wheel and kiln. Finding the process extremely therapeutic, she has not stopped creating wheel thrown ceramics and particularly loves to make something bespoke for clients. Mel thrives on creating Raku pieces, picking out elements from nature to create unique pieces of art which will be cherished forever.

Working on a wheel in her private studio, Penny throws colourful porcelain tableware. The fun of shared meals with family and friends, along with a love of colour and artisan work, combine to create beautiful pieces. Function is an important aspect of Penny's work, as each piece is designed to be used and enjoyed every day. Food and dishwasher safe.

Jon is a structural engineer and part time potter based in Corsham. His engineering background is evident in his work with symmetry and precision being evident in the forms but he enjoys then experimenting with finishing techniques on these to generate more organic unpredictable final results. His work is a mix of hand thrown pieces both decorative and functional ware alongside digitally designed slip cast pieces and blends of these two techniques. He is also experimenting with the Raku firing process. He was lucky enough to be a finalist on Series 6 of the Great Pottery Throwdown on C4.

This exhibitor is no longer taking part.

I make functional illustrated earthenware featuring forms inspired by the beautiful Wiltshire landscape and folkloric themes. A fervent believer in active craftivisim and arts accessibility, my studio/gallery is also teaching space offering access for both the casual curious and constant clayist.